5& 
KERAMIC STUDIO 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 
Mrs. E. C. L. — What caused a Seji tea-pot to crackle all over in the kiln in 
the second fire? 
It may have had too hot a fire or it may have been a defective piece. 
Carmen — Can you tell me how the frosted effect is done in etched work to 
make it look even, also how to do the matt effect to make it look like the Pickard 
china, is there any special matts to be used? 
1. If you mean the frosted effect in the background the acid does that; 
in etching it leaves the china rough and keeps the gold from burnishing giv- 
ing it a frosted appearance. 
We do not know what effect you refer to in the Pickard china but if it is 
a matt color you can buy matt colors and' apply them by oiling and dusting 
the color on as you do any other color. 
./. P. H. — Please tell me how to paint on silk or satin. If oil how to use 
paint so no oil stain is on edge of design and if water color how to get as good ef- 
fect as oil colors. 
Water colors are used and you may mix them with white water color to 
get the desired effect. The Tempera Water Colors would work very success- 
fully. 
C. B. — Will you kindly give me a good formula for making a medium or 
tinting oil. One that can be used for tinting, grounding and mixing powder 
colors. 
2. — What is the difference between ground lay and grounding when referring 
to putting in a background'! 
1. You cannot use the same oil for all purposes, it is necessary to use a 
special oil for grounding or dry dusting. The mixing of these oils is a secret 
with the manufacturers. For tinting and mixing paints some people use 
copaiba and lavender oil and a little clove oil. 
2. There is no difference, it is also called dry dusting, 
Z. E. B. — I wish to lake off some color with hydrofluoric acid and I notice 
that in October '15 issue of Keramic. Studio you advise using asphaltum on the 
part not to be taken off. Kindly tell me where to procure the asphaltum and hoiv 
to use it. 
2. — Will you advise me what shade of blue to use for the background of a vase 
to match the enclosed sample of wall paper"? 
3 — What color do you use to gel a rich purple background similar to Deep 
Violet of Gold, dusted on'? 
1 . You will find the asphaltum at a hardware store or paint store. Paint 
it on with a brush, it should be painted on rather heavy. If it becomes too 
gummy thin with turpentine. 
2. If you wish a dark shade use Water Blue and if a light shade use 
Grey Blue and a very little Water Blue. 
3. Deep Violet of Gold is not usually a rich purple but is more of a red- 
dish tone, if that is what you wish use Fry's Roman Purple. If you wish a 
rich Royal Purple use Mrs. Cherry's Mauve. 
CUP AND SAUCER—ELSIE W. TALLY 
Done on Seji. Leaves f Old Chinese Blue, § white Enamel. Flower in Persian Red and Dull Yellow and green at center. 
