Oteng, K. I. (2013). PRODUCTION OF LOCAL GLAZES – KEY TO DEVELOPING THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY IN GHANA

A glaze as defined by Rhodes  (1977)  is a glassy coating melted in place on a ceramic body which may render the body smooth, non-porous and of a desired colour or texture.  A glaze therefore is a glass-like substance coated on a ceramic body to become durable and attractive. Glazes are essentially made from common rocks, earthy minerals and substances, such as clay, feldspar, limestone and dolomite.  Some glazes can also be made from common salt, wood ash and shells.  Most of these natural glaze materials can be found in several locations in Ghana.  The results of earlier studies conducted by me indicate that very useful local glaze materials such as Feldspar, Green rocks, Nepheline syenite, Dolomite and several other fusible clays are available and abundant in several parts of Ghana.  I believe that it is possible to produce glazes locally using the clues provided in this paper. The objective is to enhance the development of local glazes through research for the ultimate development of the ceramic industry in Ghana.