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We now offer Glaze Mixing Services here at Bracker’s! Provide us with a recipe (in grams) and we can dry blend it for you.
Each dry blend glaze recipe will be returned in one clear plastic bag with the glaze name and date mixed written on it.
If you struggle with math and converting your recipe from parts to pound to grams etc. we can help with that as well, just select the box for "nerd service" above .
If not selecting nerd service, please provide your test batch recipe in grams with the total weight falling between 400-500g and the smallest amount no less than 1g
Full batch recipes should be in pounds with increments no further than 2 decimal places
Price Details:
Test batch $15.00 per 400-500 gram batch, includes materials
Full batch (approx 5000g) fee: $15 per 5000 grams*
Nerd Service (mathematic conversion of your recipe for mixing): $2.50
*Materials used in full batches are sold separately. Please add all ingredients to your cart along with your mixing service selection(s). Use the file upload for your reciepe, or type it in directly to the order comments at checkout or send it via email to mail@brackers.com or call us (888.822.1982) with it
Darvan is a deflocculant and used to disperse ceramic suspensions to minimize their water content. It is a liquid alternative to the long popular sodium silicate. About twice as much is required typically (0.4-0.5%) however Darvan does offer a number of advantages. Typically soda ash is not needed as a complement and Darvan does not attack plaster molds. In addition slurries are much less sensitive to over deflocculation and are more stable. It is thus easier to reprocess scrap. However a number of engineers still prefer using a sodium silicate:soda ash mix to control thixotropic properties better, especially if little scrap is being added. Darvan 811 is a low molecular weight short chain polymer for use in vitreous and semivitreous bodies and glazes. In comparison to the conventional soda ash-sodium silicate system, these polyelectrolytes produce slips with longer casting range, higher solids content, improved viscosity stability, fewer "soda" or "hard spots", and significantly increased mold life. Slips also tend to reclaim better without the need for constant adjustments with more deflocculant. The active agent in Darvan is polyacrylic acid. Its molecules are negatively charged along their length. They attach to clay particles and cause them to repel each other. There are two cautions with this material: -It has a shelf life of two years -Some types cannot go below 40 degrees F without detrimental effects on their performance. Darvan definitely cannot be frozen. In either of these cases, it will simply not disperse your slurry as expected.
Darvan is a deflocculant and used to disperse ceramic suspensions to minimize their water content. It is a liquid alternative to the long popular sodium silicate. About twice as much is required typically (0.4-0.5%) however Darvan does offer a number of advantages. Typically soda ash is not needed as a complement and Darvan does not attack plaster molds. In addition slurries are much less sensitive to over deflocculation and are more stable. It is thus easier to reprocess scrap. However a number of engineers still prefer using a sodium silicate:soda ash mix to control thixotropic properties better, especially if little scrap is being added. Darvan No. 7 is a high molecular weight, long chain polymer that has been used successfully as a general purpose dispersing agent for both ceramic bodies and glazes. Like 811 and 812, this poly-electrolyte shows the advantages mentioned above. Slips prepared with Darvan No. 7 show little tendency to thicken on standing (thus this version is considered better for glazes). The active agent in Darvan is polyacrylic acid. Its molecules are negatively charged along their length. They attach to clay particles and cause them to repel each other. There are two cautions with this material: -It has a shelf life of two years -Some types cannot go below 40 degrees F without detrimental effects on their performance. Darvan definitely cannot be frozen. In either of these cases, it will simply not disperse your slurry as expected.
Na2SiO3 Deflocculant, De-flocculant Formula: Na2SiO3 Alternate Names: Waterglass
OXIDE
ANALYSIS
FORMULA
Na2O 50.78% 1.00 SiO2 49.22% 1.00 Density (Specific Gravity) 2.40 Melting Point (MP) 1080°C The most popular deflocculant used in casting slips for many years. It is nearly always used with soda ash (when employed alone it can make a slip 'stringy' and thixotropic). The material is effective, reliable and inexpensive. However, it attacks the plaster in molds much more than more modern deflocculants and it is easier to over-deflocculate a slip with sodium silicate. There are potassium based deflocculants that are similar to the corresponding sodium ones. They can be employed where the presence of sodium is undesirable. Soda ash is more suitable for deflocculating glazes. In addition, a wide range of organic deflocculants are available as alkali salts of pyrogallic, humic or tannic acids. They have long working ranges and can increase the apparent plasticity of the clay. As noted, their use prolongs mold life compared with sodium silicate and soda ash and they are less prone of over-deflocculation. Tetramethylammoniumhydroxide is also an organic compound that is used where residues from inorganic salts cannot be tolerated. It is a strong base that can even attack glass and quartz. Also used as a binder in ceramic bodies. ~ from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database
This classic disposable N95 particulate respirator is designed to help provide comfortable, reliable worker respiratory protection against certain non-oil based particles. The 3M™ Particulate Respirator is designed to provide at least 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that do not contain oil. Advanced electrostatically charged microfibers make breathing easier and cooler. This mask features welded strap attachment and an adjustable noseclip for a custom fit and secure seal, reducing the potential for eyewear fogging. Because they are comfortable to wear and easy to use, workers are quick to accept and use maintenance-free respirators. Studies have shown they can provide protection equivalent to a rubber facepiece respirator... at much lower cost and greater convenience. This respirator contains no components made from natural rubber latex.
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the PS-1 model is designed for heavy duty jobs in 5-10 gal. (20-40 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ½" electric chucked power tool. The PS-1 model is designed for a max speed of 800 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. MIxers can be permanently installed if desired
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
40" 10-50 gallons 4⅝" 5⅛" 5" ½"
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the PS-1 model is designed for heavy duty jobs in 5-10 gal. (20-40 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ½" electric chucked power tool. The PS-1 model is designed for a max speed of 800 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. MIxers can be permanently installed if desired
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
20½" 5-10 gallons 4⅝" 5⅛" 5" ½"
downloadable information sheet
No more hard settled glazes, no more powdery glaze coatings, no more peeling glazes. All your suspension and application problems solved! Suspends ANY common glaze material, including dense granular materials, indefinitely. Works with or without clay - even zero clay formulations. Allows glaze carving and sgraffito without chipping. Allows unlimited layering of glaze or slip coats. Hardens unfired glaze and slip coatings. Does not change with age (requires preservative*). Does NOT deflucculate and cause curtaining and drips like CMC does. Almost completely burns away, leaving fired glaze or slip unaffected. For brush application, smooths application and hardens the coat like CMC but allows heavier brush loading and thicker coats than CMC.
GLAZE/SLIP TYPE
100g batch (brushing)
100g batch
1000g batch
10,000g batch
zero clay formula 0.7g 0.6g 6g 60g
typical formula (10% clay) 0.6g 0.4g 4g 40g
high clay formula 0.5g 0.3g 3g 30 For brushing glazes, increase recommendations by 0.1%. As a clay plasticizer, try 0.1% MAGMA. Two simple ways to add it to your slip or glaze: LIQUID GLAZE Add 40 grams MAGMA and 4 grams Copper Carbonate (CuCO3) to 8 ounces hot water. Wait approximately 6 hours. It will look like green goop. Add a little MAGMA gel to your liquid glaze - start with 1 teaspoon of MAGMA gel per pint of glaze. You can always add a more if you need it, but it’s better to err on the side of caution because MAGMA increases the drying time of the glaze. DRY GLAZE Determine appropriate quantity of MAGMA. Mix MAGMA powder with other dry ingredients. Add 0.04% (of total batch weight) Copper Carbonate (CuCO3) as a preservative unless Copper Carb is already included in the recipe. Example: 0.4g CuCO3 per 1000g dry glaze Add dry mix to normal amount of [hot] water for glaze batch. Glaze will be a little thicker than you are used to. Wait a few hours before sieving. Always glaze the outside surface first when using a glaze with MAGMA or any other additive. Recommended preservative: If you plan to store glaze mixed with water for more than one week, add Copper Carbonate (CuCO3), 0.04% of total dry batch (0.4g CuCO3 per 1000g dry glaze). The vast majority of glazes will not show any coloration from this small amount of copper, but it will prevent the gum from rotting. Test before mixing a full batch. CAUTION: MAGMA will dramatically thicken any glaze it is added to. Thinning the glaze to a “normal” consistency will cause very thin coats. MAGMA containing glazes must have more viscosity than typical glazes. MAGMA glazes also take more time to “dry” (the water moves into the bisque slower) after dipping or spraying. If high viscosity glazes will not work for you, and/or slow setting or drying glazes will not work for you, you should not use MAGMA.
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the ES model is designed for medium to heavy jobs in 2-5 gal. (8-20 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ⅜" electric chucked power tool. The ES model is designed for a max speed of 1000 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. Mixers can be permanently installed if desired.
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
20½" 2-5 gallons 3¼" 3¾" 3¾" ⅜"
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the HS-3 model is designed for medium jobs in 1-2 gal. (4-8 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ¼" electric chucked power tool. The HS-2 model is designed for a max speed of 1200 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. Mixers can be permanently installed if desired.
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
30" 1-2 gallons 2⅝" 2⅝" 2⅜" ¼"
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the HS-2 model is designed for medium jobs in 1-2 gal. (4-8 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ¼" electric chucked power tool. The HS-2 model is designed for a max speed of 1200 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. Mixers can be permanently installed if desired.
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
14¾" 1-2 gallons 2⅝" 2⅝" 2⅜" ¼"
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the HS-1 model is designed for medium jobs in 1-2 gal. (4-8 qt.) containers. It easily fits any ¼" electric chucked power tool. The HS-1 model is designed for a max speed of 1200 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMS get the best rate of thorough mixing. Mixers can be permanently installed if desired.
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
10¼" 1-2 gallons 2⅝" 2⅝" 2⅜" ¼"
Made of 304 polished stainless steel, the LM model is designed for smaller jobs in pint sized containers. It easily fits any ¼" electric chucked power tool. The LM model is designed for a max speed of 1200 RPMS. Tools with 450-750 RPMs get the best rate of thorough mixing. Mixers can be permanently installed if desired.
SHAFT LENGTH
CONTAINER SIZE
TOP DIAMETER
BOTTOM DIAMETER
DEPTH OF HEAD
SHAFT DIAMETER
10¼" Pint 1¼" 1¼" 1⅜" ¼"
This sieve is a stainless steel screen permanently fused in tough, flexible polyethylene. The diameter of the screen is 6" and sets perfectly into a 3½ or 5 gallon bucket. Potters typically use a 60 or 80 mesh sieve for most standard glazes. The higher the number the finer mesh screen.
Made of the same plastic material as the bowl of the rotary sieve. Uses the same size screens and is handy for smaller batches or test glazes. Tapered body will fit normal size bucket. Comes complete with spatula. Screen Sold Separately
The Rotary Sieve (pic 1) has a tapered, plastic body which fits firmly on any round container. Handle extension allows it to rest on extra large containers. (pic 2) Push-in screens with moulded rubber rims are interchangeable, not only with this rotary sieve body but also with the hand sieve body. Stainless steel screens are available from Bracker's in the following meshes: 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh sizes. Screens Sold Separately. We can also special-order any of these size screens from the manufacturer: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 and 200. (pic 3) Either wet or dry materials can be sieved quickly. For example, dry ash can be put through a screen as fine as 100 mesh. The brush-cluster is rotated against the screen by turning the handle and the pressure required is regulated simply by pressing on the handle as it is turned. Brushes are held in a moulded plastic centre-piece sufficiently tightly to ensure that they maintain contact with the screen even if this distorts with use. Brushes have nylon bristles set in a plastic back; they won't absorb color and are easily washed. They are long-lasting, yet easily replaced. After use, the screen can be removed and the brush-cluster pushed through the bottom of the sieve for easy washing. The handle is easily removed for easier transport, or if several brush-heads are needed for different purposes - eg, for wet or dry uses. The handle runs in a graphite-impregnated nylon bearing well clear of the abrasive materials being used. When dismantled, the sieve can be sent by parcel post. It comes with clear instructions for assembling.
This Glaze Thinner is a solution of sodium hexametaphosphate in water. It is a very powerful thinning agent and should be added very sparingly. For example, 2 or 3 drops in a 4 oz. jar should have a significant effect. It is a useful product for thinning glazes, underglazes, etc. when you do not want to dilute the strength of the glaze by adding water.
The HydroBat Adapter allows the use of 8" and 10" bats on larger wheel heads that are not drilled to accept smaller size bats with holes 6" apart on center.
The HydroBat Adapter allows the use of 8" and 10" bats on larger wheel heads that are not drilled to accept smaller size bats with holes 6" apart on center.
The Studio Pro Bat Adapter allows the use of 8" and 10" bats on larger wheel heads that are not drilled to accept smaller size bats with holes 6" apart on center.
StudioPro SpaceSaver Bat System The SpaceSaver is a convenient system for making smaller pots and maximizing table space in your studio. The entire system is fully compatible with the now unavailable Wonderbat. It consists of a 14" adapter bat and 8- 6" insert bats. Both are made from a 1/2" exterior grade MDF which provides excellent bottom drying and rigidity. The adapter bat mounts on standard wheel-head pins with rubber "through hole" grommets making a true two-sided bat. Made from 1/2" exterior grade MDF "finger lifts" and rounded edges for easier removal, smoothness and longer wear Excellent bottom drying Rubber grommets spaced 10" on center for standard wheel pins Through-hole grommets make the SpaceSaver a true two sided bat
StudioPro Black Plastic Bats are a permanent solution to your bat needs. They’re easy to care for, extremely versatile, and a great choice for schools and art centers where pots are often left on bats for long periods of time. Our Plastic Bats are textured on both sides so clay adheres equally well on either surface: a true "two-sided" bat. They are cut from a high-quality marine grade High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is produced using a patented extrusion process. This ensures perfect flatness of every sheet and every bat! All bats are 1/4" thick EXCEPT for the 22" diameter bat which is 3/8" thick. The 8" and 10" bats work with the 12" bat adapter.
Faster trimming with better results! StudioPro Foam Trimming Bats offer a superior alternative to adhering the rims of pots to the wheelhead using clay coils. Because pots are held in place by the foam and not stuck down, you have the ability to lift and inspect your piece frequently during trimming. The foam also protects your pot's rim from damage while inverted on the bat. Pots can be easily centered using the concentric rings on the bats as a guide. Our Trimming Bats are made using foam selected for just the right density and grip. Keep in mind that the thicker the foam, the more unsteady smaller pieces will be during trimming, so be sure to select the correct thickness for your pots. For example, 1/4 ” foam works well for smaller, lighter work without extreme rim alteration. Whereas 3/4" foam is best used for heavier pieces or pots with uneven rims that need more protection.
StudioPro Tempered Hardboard Bats are the workhorses of the pottery studio. They are our most affordable bats, yet made from the finest quality tempered hardboard available. Unlike it's Masonite predecessor, our tempered hardboard has no added formaldehyde. StudioPro Tempered Hardboard Bats are slightly absorbent for good clay adhesion and bottom drying. They are compact and easy to store and will last many years if cared for properly. Hardboard bats are a great choice for the professional or hobbyist potter who uses many bats and has a controlled studio setting.
StudioPro Tempered Hardboard Bats are the workhorses of the pottery studio. They are our most affordable bats, yet made from the finest quality tempered hardboard available. Unlike it's Masonite predecessor, our tempered hardboard has no added formaldehyde. StudioProTempered Hardboard Bats are slightly absorbent for good clay adhesion and bottom drying. They are compact and easy to store and will last many years if cared for properly. Hardboard bats are a great choice for the professional or hobbyist potter who uses many bats and has a controlled studio setting.
The Hydro-Bat is made of Hydro-Stone, a USG product containing cement and crystalline silica, that is 8 to 10 times stronger then pottery plaster. The surface is scratch resistant yet absorbs water like plaster eliminating the need to cut your pieces off the bat with a wire.
The Hydro-Bat was designed to fit on wheel heads that have bat pins spaced 10 inches apart on center. The hard rubber grommets cast into the underside of each Hydro-Bat will not swell or change shape and are sized to fit over a 3/8" diameter bat pin head. Due to their smaller diameter, the grommets under the 8.5 and 10" Hydro-Bat's are spaced 6" apart and require the HBA Adapter to convert standard 10 inch pins to 6 inches. This adapter is made of sturdy polyethelene plastic and fits snuggly over the 10" bat pins on your wheel head. It has two upfacing 3/8" diameter bat pins fused in at 6” apart. The 8.5" & 10" Hydro-Bats fit onto these pins. If you have a wheel head with pins positioned at 9" apart we make Adapter HB9A which will allow you to use our bats. If you don't have bat pins in your wheel, no problem, our product works great with a bat gripper or grabber which allows you to attach any kind of bat to a wheel head. Custom adapters can be made for any size wheel head or pin configuration. The smaller Hydro-Bats (8.5” and 10” diameter) are perfect for maximizing your space when you throw smaller forms, such as bowls or mugs; because the grommets on these bats is just 6” apart, there's an adapter to make sure that they will fit onto any wheel. The smallest Hydro-Bat measures just 6” in diameter, and requires the HB6A adapter, with grommets spaced 4’ apart. All of the adapters are made of sturdy polyethylene plastic, and will become a studio staple for you along with your Hydro-Bats! If you have a pottery wheel with no drilled bat pin holes, no problem! Many customers have used Hydro-Bats with a bat gripper with great success. **this item includes a $2 per Hydrobat surcharge for deliveries and shipments via UPS/USPS or freight companies to cover the extra packing material necessary for them to get to you safely. The surcharge is added to the shipping costs.
Speedball’s Plastic Bats offer artists and instructors the ultimate in convenience, organization and performance. Their “Easy Lift Rim™” allows the bat to be easily removed from the wheel head in one fluid motion, leaving the ceramic piece undisturbed. Made from injection-molded plastic, these bats are built to last and feature unique ribs that add strength and durability. Available in 3 sizes (7.5" Square, 12" Round, 14" Round), Speedball’s Plastic Bats make organizing projects for classes and studios a breeze! Featuring universal bat pin spacing, these great bats are designed to fit all wheels and are offered at an unbeatable value.
Xiem Batmate™ is the perfect solution for annoying bat jitter and warping. Place Batmate™ below your problem bats on the wheel and instantly your warped bats become stable. It is also great for trimming bowls and plates. We at Xiem love ours, and we guarantee you'll love Batmate™ too.
The new Dirty Girls Round Bat Insert System is the best! It comes with one master bat made of an exterior grade wood material that is highly water-resistant and durable and 10 ROUND inserts that are a full 7.5" in diameter. You can throw any pot with a base 7.5" or smaller. The original Dirty Girl herself, Link Henderson throws 90% of her pots on this system. It saves tons of shelf space! The inserts are 30% larger than competitors!
There is an shallow cutout under the insert tab for placing a wooden tool to pry up the bats. There are also cutouts across from each bat pin hole on the underside of the master bat so you can easily lift the master bat off the wheel! Extra Inserts are sold in sets of 12. Do not leave submerged in water. Any wood based product left submerged in water will degrade and warp, so be nice to your bat system and gently clean the components and set them out to dry either on their sides or at a diagonal, just not stacked. If left stacked when fully wet, the inserts will swell in the center. They will dry out flat again, but it will take time!
A 12" square plaster mold containing a design resembling confetti. To transfer the design to your clay slab, place slab on mold, and either use a heavy clay roller, or press firmly with your hands. Remove clay from mold and shape into any form you desire.
A 12" square plaster mold containing a design of diamonds with "saw tooth" edges on two sides. To transfer the design to your clay slab, place slab on mold, and either use a heavy clay roller, or press firmly with your hands. Remove clay from mold and shape into any form you desire.
