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Lesson Plans


Ceramics Warning to all

From: Dianna (dmammone)
Date: Mon Jan 31 2000 - 20:43:27 PST

  • Next message: Deb Hyland: "Re: Video Favorites"

    Please be advised:
    I have been watching the ceramic posts regarding a new teacher situation and
    observing talk of glazes, firings and acrylic paints and future floor wax.
    I believe the floor wax has been addressed.
    Last year I was asked to fire some student work for hire from a small
    private school. I have fired for hire for over 15 years with only one other
    disaster.
    The student pieces had what looked like brown engobe on them. I asked about
    the finish with the person who delivered them,(not the teacher) and was
    reassured that it HAD to be an engobe or slip because they had no access to
    anything else.
    About 3 hours into the bisque firing the entire studio was filled with
    acrid, burning smoke. Immediately I evacuated, vented more, etc. What a
    Nightmare!
    The next day I went to the ER where I was treated for toxic fumes, given
    oxygen and set up on a breathing machine and treatment program. It took
    about three months for me to recover.
    I was FURIOUS! My kiln shelves were blackened and had to be cleaned and
    re-painted, the elements were smoke damaged. Everything stank for weeks!
    Turns out, the pieces had been painted with acrylics.

    You have to be careful when making different materials available to
    students. The line about "finishes" can begin to blur. Sometimes kids
    can't see what the big deal is. Sometimes adults can't either. Remember my
    experience, I was VERY lucky. Make sure you know what is going in your
    kiln. If in doubt, don't fire on it!
    Diannabanana----- 

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