All Topics  
Slip (ceramics)

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Slip (ceramics)
 
 
  Topics Slip (ceramics) Topic Home

A slip is a suspension in water of clay and/or other materials used in the production of ceramic
Ceramic

File:Bridge from dental porcelain.jpgFile:Qing vase p1070256.jpgA ceramic is an inorganic, nonmetal solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling....
 ware. Normally a deflocculant
Deflocculant

A deflocculant is an agent for thinning suspensions or slurries. It is used to reduce viscosity or prevent flocculation and is sometimes incorrectly called a "dispersant." Most deflocculants are low-molecular weight anionic polymers that neutralize positive charges on suspended particles, particularly clays and aryl-alkyl derivative of sul...
 such as sodium silicate
Sodium silicate

Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na2SiO3, also known as water glass or liquid glass....
 is added to disperse the particles and hence allow a much higher solids content to be used. The addition of a defloculant allows the water content to be kept to a minimum which reduces the amount of shrinkage when slipcasting
Slipcasting

Slipcasting is a technique for the mass-production of pottery, especially for shapes not easily made on a wheel. A liquid clay body slip is poured into plaster Molding and allowed to form a layer, the cast, on the inside cavity of the mould....
. The mixing can be by hand or more usually in a blunger
Blunger

A blunger is a machine commonly used in the pottery industry for mixing clay and water. A blunger usually consists of a round or octagonal tank with a mixer....
.

A slip may be made for various reasons:






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Slip (ceramics)'
Start a new discussion about 'Slip (ceramics)'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


A slip is a suspension in water of clay and/or other materials used in the production of ceramic
Ceramic

File:Bridge from dental porcelain.jpgFile:Qing vase p1070256.jpgA ceramic is an inorganic, nonmetal solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling....
 ware. Normally a deflocculant
Deflocculant

A deflocculant is an agent for thinning suspensions or slurries. It is used to reduce viscosity or prevent flocculation and is sometimes incorrectly called a "dispersant." Most deflocculants are low-molecular weight anionic polymers that neutralize positive charges on suspended particles, particularly clays and aryl-alkyl derivative of sul...
 such as sodium silicate
Sodium silicate

Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na2SiO3, also known as water glass or liquid glass....
 is added to disperse the particles and hence allow a much higher solids content to be used. The addition of a defloculant allows the water content to be kept to a minimum which reduces the amount of shrinkage when slipcasting
Slipcasting

Slipcasting is a technique for the mass-production of pottery, especially for shapes not easily made on a wheel. A liquid clay body slip is poured into plaster Molding and allowed to form a layer, the cast, on the inside cavity of the mould....
. The mixing can be by hand or more usually in a blunger
Blunger

A blunger is a machine commonly used in the pottery industry for mixing clay and water. A blunger usually consists of a round or octagonal tank with a mixer....
.

A slip may be made for various reasons:
  • As a means of mixing the constituents of a body; in which case it is subsequently dewatered.
  • Preparatory to slip casting
    Ceramic forming techniques

    Ceramic forming techniques are ways of forming ceramic shapes. This can be used to make everyday tableware from teapots, to engineering ceramics such as computer parts....
    .
  • Used decoratively when placed onto a leather-dry clay body surface by dipping, painting or splashing, this is often described as slipware
    Slipware

    Slipware is a type of pottery identified by its primary decorating process where slip is placed onto the leather-dry clay body surface by dipping, painting or splashing....
    . Slipware may be carved or burnished to change the surface appearance of the ware.
  • To join unfired pieces such as handles and spouts. This is a common, but not universal, method.


The slip may be a different color than the underlying clay body or offer other decorative qualities.