Ceramic Finishes Oxides: A Practical Guide to Oxide Washes with 740+ Recipes for Ceramicists

A guide to oxide finishes in ceramics, including 740 tested recipes, practical techniques, and creative insights, emphasizing hands-on experimentation and providing expert advice to help ceramicists hone their craft, replicate formulas, and create unique works of art

This book is an essential guide for ceramicists eager to refine their craft and explore the artistic potential of oxide decoration techniques. Written by a passionate expert, it provides an accessible approach to a specialized and often overlooked method in ceramics, emphasizing hands-on exploration over complex chemistry. The author shares over 740 tested recipes using 33 oxides and 17 ceramic base products. These results are beautifully illustrated through test tiles, giving readers a practical visual reference. Whether you’re looking for “turnkey” recipes, which can be easily replicated after reading the "In practice" chapter, or seeking inspiration to begin your own creative exploration, this manual provides the tools you need. You’ll learn about the choice of clay, the classification and dosage of oxides, and methods of application. The book guides you through both the challenges—such as unpredictable results and limited color ranges—and the creative opportunities offered by oxides. This invaluable resource demystifies the techniques behind oxide decoration, empowering you to experiment, create, and expand your artistic horizons. Whether you wish to replicate the author's formulas or dive into your own experiments, this manual provides the knowledge and inspiration needed to succeed.

Philippe Pirard has been practising ceramics for over 30 years. He is passionate about ceramic oxide glazes, and researches and gives classes on the subject at the Centre d’expression et de créativité in the province of Liège (Belguim). His work with oxides combines techniques such as throwing, slab building, coil building, and sculpting from solid clay, constantly striving to give his pieces a sense of lightness.