Published by Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz
Matt and Rose Katz of the Ceramics Materials Workshop and Kathy King of the Ceramics Program at Harvard University discuss listener questions about clay and glaze. This show will have you laughing and learning about the chemistry behind ceramics in no time.
Listen on Apple Podcasts33 min
Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about explosions in a glaze firing, sanding bisque ware, and wheel cleaning. They also start the episode taking a trip to Materials Corner to talk about changes in the Red Art supply. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us at NCECA. We can't wait to see you again next year. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns , Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Explosions, sanding, cleaning, NCECA, materials corner, Red Art
43 min
Today we have a special NCECA focused episode featuring questions recorded in person at this year's conference in Detroit. The gang answer questions about using hot wax, refiring in a community studio, particle packing for brushing glazes, and best practices for using Bentonite in glazes. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to record with us. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns , Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Wax, refiring, brushing glazes, particle packing, bentonite, NCECA
40 min
Today the gang compares cost versus reliability when buying kilns and kiln shelves. The episode starts with a question about purchasing S-type thermocouples for new kilns and a discussion about preventing warping in cordierite kiln shelves. On a related but strange note, they also talk about how a popular outdoor grill helped lead the U.S. into our current talc shortage. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Rohde Kilns , Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: S-type, K-type, thermocouple, cordierite, advancer, kiln shelf, Big Green Egg, talc
36 min
To start today's episode the gang talk about their upcoming live show in Boston. We hope you will join us June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal , where Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be ready to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. They also answer listener questions about what to do when all your glazes mature at a different temperature, and how to identify a mystery white spot in the surface of your fired glaze. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Rhode Kilns , Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Live show, glaze temperature, Cone 5, Cone 5 ½, Cone 6, crystal formation
38 min
Today we have a special Flux U episode where the gang dive deep into glaze application to answer a listener's question about the chemical and physical limitations of glaze layering. What seems like a simple topic turns out to be quite complex. They also talk about helpful tips for buying and installing your first home kiln. Have you ever wanted to be on a For Flux Sake episode? Join the gang in person for a live taping June 5th at the Harvard Ed Portal ! Kathy, Matt, Rose, and Producer Ben will be in Boston to answer your burning questions about clay and glaze. Do you secretly need even more live shows? June 6th you can join a special Flux U taping at Harvard Ceramics. It's going to be a whole wonderful weekend of clay and glaze mania. Flux U, is an exclusive perk for Patreon members. If you'd like to have access to additional episodes like this one and special merch head on over to Patreon and join the For Flux Sake community . Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze application, kiln, electrician, particle packing, layering
29 min
To start today's explosive episode a listener writes in wondering about using ash from Mt. St. Helens in a glaze. The gang also talk about best cleaning practices for keeping pets and children safe in a home studio, and methods for reducing pinholing. Would you like to ask your burning questions about clay and glaze to Kathy, Matt, and Rose in person? June 5th the whole gang heads to Boston for a live show. It's going to be a blast! Tickets are available now through the Harvard Ed Portal . Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Ash Glaze, home studio, silica, silicosis, pinholing
30 min
We love questions from our educator friends. Today's episode starts with a question from a high school teacher who wondered what the best materials are for starting a glaze lab. The gang also answer a question about cleaning up clay with soap and take a trip to Materials Corner to report on the recent bankruptcy of a major ceramic materials supplier. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Glaze lab, beginner glazes, soap, Materials Corner
34 min
Have you ever wondered what the firing rates are for the pre-programmed kiln schedules in modern kilns? In today's episode the gang talk about the differences between slow, medium, and fast on Bartlett controllers, and how the rates affect glaze outcomes. They also answer a listener question from Sweden about Boron sources and why some of them were recently banned. To start the episode Rose and Matt also announce their exciting new adventure into the world of commercial glaze - Ware Glaze . Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Firing speed, Bartlett controller, borax, boron, Sweden
37 min
Unloading a kiln can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's filled with a new ceramic form that gives you trouble. Today the gang answer a listener question about how to keep plates from cracking, the best temperature for firing terracotta, and if there is a vegan alternative for shellac. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Compression, particle packing, terracotta, low fire, shellac
36 min
What is carbon coring, and should we care about it? The term is actually a misnomer, with the real culprit being iron, a common ingredient in reduction fired clays. Today the gang talk about the phenomenon along with questions about kiln safety, and best studio practices for kids and pets. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Carbon coring, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, reduction, stoneware clay
33 min
Glaze preparation is a necessary part of the ceramic process, but have you ever wondered why sieving glazes is important? Today the gang talk about various ways to prepare a glaze and why you might not need to sieve as much as you think. They also break down the idea of glazes that fire at multiple temperature ranges, and answer a listener's question about bubbling in a clear glaze. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Sieving, bubbling, clear glaze, low fire, mid range, high fire
38 min
To start today's episode we take a ride to Materials Corner to talk about the situation with EPK, as well as, if there is an easy substitute to use in clay and glazes. The gang also answers a listener's questions about the feasibility of making your own clay. What equipment do you need? Does doing it yourself save money? Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: EPK, Materials Corner, clay mixing, pug mill, Pioneer Kaolin, Georgia Kaolin
33 min
Have you ever wondered why kilns have peep holes? Today Matt, Rose, and Kathy debate the function and necessity of peep holes, while also tackling a question about glazing only the interior of a pot. They also start the episode talking about the research Kathy is doing at Harvard Ceramics into the historic use of graphite as a ceramic sealer. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Peep hole, kiln venting, glaze tension, glaze compression, dunting, vitrification
39 min
Happy New Year! To start 2026 the gang answer listener questions about ash glazes, mixing brushing and dipping glazes, and how the particle size of colorants affects glaze outcomes. They also begin the episode sharing stories about the highs and lows of art center holiday sales. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Ash, Fake Ash, colorant, particle size, holiday sale, brushing glaze, dipping glaze
43 min
Have you wondered what makes a glaze food safe? Today we are happy to welcome Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins to the show to talk about the topic, and their new book Amazing Glaze: Food Safe Recipes . They discuss the definition of food safety, how to test glazes, and what they learned after testing dozens of popular cone 6 and cone 10 recipes. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Food safety, leaching, crazing, cone 6, cone 10, shino, phase separation
28 min
Do you fire your kiln fast or slow? And does it really matter? Today the gang answer a few listener questions about the relationship between temperature, glaze melt, and vitrification. They also discuss a class of clays out of the UK that vitrify at low fire temperatures. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Firing rate, glaze melt, shino, cone 6, cone 8, vitrification
38 min
Commercial casting slips are great for their convenience, but what do you do when your recipe hard-pans in the bucket? Today the gang talk about why hard-panning happens and how you can fix it. They also discuss making temp checks, the best bisque temp for commercial glazes, and the controversy around the sale of fake ceramic pigments. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Materials corner, hard-panning, casting slip, commercial glaze, temp checks,
32 min
Have you ever had small pieces of an unglazed foot ring stick to a kiln shelf? This bummer of a phenomenon is called plucking, and today the gang talk about how and why it happens. They also answer a listener's question about increasing plasticity in halloysite porcelains and take a trip to Materials Corner to discuss the rumors swirling around EPK production. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: EPK, Materials corner, Halloysite, Frost porcelain, Southern Ice porcelain, Bentonite
33 min
Halloween is our favorite holiday at For Flux Sake. We can't get enough of the costumes, candy, and science! Join the gang this week as they answer listener questions about using wild clays in a community studio, washing dirty clay laundry, and the proper way to open a bag of dry ceramic material. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Halloween, Lord Celsius, Clay Wizard, Copper Carb, laundry, silicosis, wild clay, dry materials storage
33 min
Joining a new community studio can be exciting, but also a little scary. Today the gang talk about how to be a good community member. They also answer listener questions about clay color changes, using tar paper in the studio, and where to start when you get your first potter's wheel. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: vitrification, under fired, clay color, tar paper, community studio, potters wheel
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