The ceramic stirrer is an essential tool used for mixing and degassing glaze suspensions, engobes or clay bodys. This tool ensures homogeneous mixing of the components, eliminating air bubbles and evenly distributing pigments and other additives. An efficient stirrer is crucial to achieve a uniform finish and avoid defects such as bubbles, lumps or color variations in the ceramic pieces.
There are different types of stirrers used in ceramics, from simple mixing rods to more advanced mechanical mixers that allow precise control of the speed and rate of agitation. The choice of the type of stirrer depends on the volume of the mixture and the level of precision required in the preparation of glazes and engobes.
Interesting Fact
In historical ceramic workshops, manual methods were used to stir the mixtures, such as the use of wooden sticks or metal rods, which required great skill and time to ensure uniform mixing. With the evolution of technology, electric and automatic stirrers have been adopted to optimize the mixing process, improving the quality and consistency of ceramic finishes.
Helpful Tip
To ensure a uniform and bubble-free mixture in your ceramic suspensions, use a stirrer suitable for the volume and viscosity of the mixture. Stir at a constant speed and avoid over-stirring, which could introduce new air bubbles. After stirring, let the mixture stand for a few minutes to allow the remaining bubbles to rise and release before applying the glaze or engobe to the pieces.