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FRITS
A frit is a type of ceramic glass. It is a combination of materials which are melted together to render them insoluble and resistant to acid attack. They are, therefore a means of introducing certain materials into a glaze which would otherwise be toxic. Frits can used alone as low temperature glazes; e.g. Raku and Majolica, but generally they form the basis of a glaze recipe. Walker Ceramics offer a large range of frits and for those wishing to incorporate the frits in glaze calculations, molecular formulae are listed.
LEAD FRITS
Glazes based on lead frits produce a shiny, durable finish and give brightness and clarity of colour when used in conjunction with oxides, stains, slips etc. While they can be used on all earthenware clays, they are particularly suitable for red clay.
BORAX FRITS
Borax frits are often used in the production of earthenware glazes when a lead-free glaze is required. Slight milkiness, especially at low temperatures, may be evident over red clays, and the colour response with oxides, etc. is not usually so vivid as with lead frits.
ALKALINE FRITS
Similar to borax frits, alkaline frits are noted for their high soda and potash content. The colour response from copper and manganese is turquoise and purple/brown respectively - typical of this type of frit. Alkaline frits have a high expansion rate which makes them a suitable base for crackle glazes.