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FROZEN SLIP: HOW TO FIX
By Teresa DeSantis
Now that it's winter again, in some parts of the world you need to think about the weather and porcelain slip. Have you ever gone to pour and found, to your dismay, that your gallon jug was frozen solid in your doll studio? Well, help is here. Many people throughout the ages have frozen slip and clay on purpose to improve its plasticity and working properties. Freezing helps to mechanically break down the clay particles and to loosen the particle bonds within the slip When the slip is thawed and thoroughly mixed, it becomes a much more resilient and plastic mix, with improved casting and release properties and green strength.
When frozen slip thaws, it may seem gooey and stringy, like tapioca. To restore the slip to its original vigor, mix it thoroughly. STEP-BY-STEP REMEDY:
- 1. Thaw the slip; let it reach room temperature.
- 2. Then loosen it up with a wooden stick.
- 3. Pour the slip into a wide mouthed bucket, scraping the sides and the bottom of the jug to make sure to get all the slip out.
- 4. Mix slip with a drill mixer until there are no more lumps and "strings".
- 5. After mixing, check the slip by sticking your hand into it and letting it run off the ends of your fingers. It if seems a little thick at this point, add a little bit of distilled water or Seeley's Slip Thinner to bring it down to a pourable consistency. If you do add anything, be sure to remix thoroughly.
- 6. Screen the slip back into the cleaned jug using Seeley's special screen that fits the jug. If there are any lumps remaining, push them through with a rubber spatula. Give the slip a quick swish around and you're ready to cast.
NOTE on mixers: Drill mounted mixers are preferable because they are flexible and mobile. Blades are available in nylon and stainless steel. (When you mix slip, don't let the blades touch the bottom or sides of your container, or plastic shavings will be introduced into the slip.) You can also obtain good results using a Slip Whiz. Happy mixing! |
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