raku

[truegem]

Hi, I don't want to read the entire 11 pages of the raku info in the tutorial section to find the answer to this question, even though it's a wonderful tut. So I was wondering if someone could just answer a quick question. When I use raku, I keep getting a dark brown color. I do get some purples and greens, but I mostly get a dark brown color that shows even after the bead is annealed and cooled. Does anyone know how to avoid this?
Thank you, Patti

[Carolyn M]

You should keep heating it. The process is this - heat until ultra hot, cool preferably on brass and the raku turns dark brown or black. Reheat and the raku will move through different colours, reds, purples, blues, greens and if overworked back to poopy brown which is usually lighter than what you are describing. Keep checking while you are reheating to get the colour you want

[truegem]

Thanks, Carolyn.
I heat it until it starts to lose its shape, (which can be a bit annoying). It seems like I go from dark brown with a little bit of interesting colors in that round of heating, to pale tan pretty quickly, like a second heating. So I was afraid to heat it again. I'm just not getting it, lol!
I'll keep trying.

[alexm]

I work it hot, let it cool, then heat it quickly right behind the cones in my flame, very close to the torch. It seems to bring out the colors best for me.

[Toni Lutman]

You really should take the time to read that thread. There's a lot of good information in it.

[swamper]

You really should take the time to read that thread. There's a lot of good information in it.


Yup, even if you read just the last page or two.

[jaci]

hi I think you need to heat it more. Just lost shape is not hot enough, unless you spot heat it.

[truegem]

Ok, I will try all of your advice, thanks so much.
I will definitely read the thread. I read the first 3 pages last night. It's so long, lol, like War and Peace. LOL!

[lunamoonshadow]

I suspect if everyone puts the advice your looking for into *this* thread, it's only going to end up 11 pages long....(seriously!)