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Plating clay pots---fact or fancy?

Greetings!

My wife is a potter. She has recently discovered 'flashing' copper to bring out colors and has asked me if it is possible to 'attach' copper to her pots that she might 'flash' them as well. As far as I can tell, it is but I put it to the group, is such a thing possible? As for etching and pre treatment, the clay is red earthenware, fired at about 1800 degrees and is fairly permeous to liquid. Again, I'think' it will work but would appreciate insight from professionals since it has been more than a few years since I plated anything.

Thanks!

Rick Owens

Richard Owens
Rhythms in Earth Studio

I would think that the area to be coppered could be sprayed with a lacquer to make it less porous, then silvered with a two-part silver reduction process, then copper plated.

This would probably give sufficient adhesion for decorative use. In other words, I think it holds sufficient promise that it is worthy of investigation, but I wouldn't guarantee it.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

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