Ever wonder what the best way to attach your handles?  Ever wonder what many potters use to make sure the slabs attach when hand building?   Well the answer you may be looking for is Magic Water.

In an over simplified world Magic Water is  Darvan 7 , a  deflocculant , and Soda ash (flux) mixed with water.  it’s basically a casting slip without clay.  Darvan 7 nd the soda ash both act like a flux and strengthen the clay.

There are several recipes out there and here are couple that I have used.

Magic Water Recipe  One

1 Gallon Water

3 Tablespoons of Darvan 7

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Soda Ash

Magic Water Recipe  Two

1 Gallon Water

3 Tablespoons of Sodium Silicate

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Soda Ash

I’m not sure if there are any real advantages to either recipe.  I’ve read sodium Silicate is a better glass former and may be stronger.  Darvan 7 is recommended for use in porcelain.  Since I use Porcelain a lot I use the Magic Water Recipe One.  I Encourage you to explore your options and what works best in your studio practice.

Next time I write about some of the ways Magic Water can be used.

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Here are links to the sources I used.  

potters.org    marianwilliamspottery.com  lakeside pottery.com