What type of Gold do I Use?

I get this question at least once a week, so I thought it best to write all about it here! I use Duncan Ceramics 22k Gold Luster. It's a teeny tiny 2oz bottle, but it goes a long way. This is applied and fired after the glaze fire, anywhere between cone 020 to 018, depending on what else I got going on for an overglaze fire. The luster takes on the texture of whatever glaze it is applied on; so if applied on a matte glaze, the gold will also be matte. 

Some best practices:

• Only use in a well ventilated area with a mask! This stuff gives off VOCs so it's best to protect those lungs. 
• Use a dedicated brush or brushes. They won't be the same after cleaning, and lusters tend to pick up contaminants from other products very easily. It's best to have a dedicated set to avoid any unwanted marks on your work. 
• Use gloves or be very aware of where you touch! Luster needs a clean, grease free surface to truly shine. The oils from our hands are enough to muck it up. If my pots aren't coming straight out of the kiln, I'll prep the surface with a quick wipe down of rubbing alcohol.
• You only need one, relatively thin coat. Too thick and it will drip (could look cool...maybe) and too thin it will have a purple tint. It takes practice.
• Gold lusters contain real gold, so any wares with it cannot go in the microwave. Metal sparks! It also explains the price point of lusters.

I think that about does it! Lusters are a great way to add a truly special touch to any pot or sculpture. I would consider this an intermediate product/technique, since basic understandings of firing a kiln are required, and it's an expensive product that requires a delicate touch. But don't let that intimidate you; who doesn't love shiny things?

If this article was helpful, let me know in the comments. Happy luster-ing!