Raku (R) Glazes Low Fire (Cone 05) Lead Free

These glazes will produce a very dramatic effect when reduced after the RAKU firing. Remember that these glazes need to be fired to their recommmended temperature of Cone 05 (1911°F, 1044°C). Once they reach temperature, turn off the kiln; let it cool to about 1700°F, 944°C before you pull the pieces out of the kiln with the tongs. You must protect yourself from the heat when you open the kiln at that high of a temperature. Therefore, wear heat and fireproof protective clothing, use high temperature gloves, and an appropriate respirator to protect from smoke. If you are using an electric kiln, never pull material out of the kiln unless the kiln is turned off.
 

RAKU is a very unpredictable medium and is affected by many variables. The effects achieved with these or any other RAKU glazes may not always be the same. Even after you have done RAKU for a long time you will see that it is almost impossible to have complete control over the result or a consistent glaze effect even if you are using the glaze from the same jar. However this is a spontaneous technique and all the varied effects are usually acceptable. Tong marks and other marks from reduction material is considered a characteristic of RAKU, not a defect.