Elements Earth FAQ
The term “Nano” is a measurement and not an object and is a direct and sole reference to the scale of the molecules in the specific material. One “nanometre” (nm) equals one millionth of a millimetre.
Examples of nano-materials in nature that exists without any human modification are the water repelling structures on a lotus leaf, a gecko’s ability to walk on glass, the UV protection in the edelweiss plant, anti reflective eyes of moths, and the fact that milk is nano-protein particles suspended in water.
The raw materials used in Elements Air and Elements Earth are certain chemical elements from the Periodic Table and occur naturally in nature and consist mainly of SiO2.(Silicon Dioxide/Silica)
In short, silicon is a naturally occurring chemical element, whereas silicone is a substance.
Silicon easily bonds with oxygen and is rarely found in nature in its pure form. You’ve likely seen silicon as silicon dioxide or silica, better known as quartz, which is the most common component of sand.
Silica also comes in other mineral forms, such as flint, jasper and opal. When silicon and oxygen mix with reactive metals, the result is a class of minerals called silicates, which includes granite, feldspar and mica.
As silica, silicon is a key ingredient in bricks, concrete and glass. In its silicate form, the element is used to make enamels, pottery and ceramics. This mineral is used in abundance in the ceramic industry in clay and glazes.
Silicone, by contrast, is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen and other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen. Silicone is generally a liquid or a flexible, rubber-like plastic, and has a number of useful properties, such as low toxicity and high heat resistance.
Elements Air:
Elements Air is an industrial grade food safe nano coating, and can ONLY be used on unglazed functional and non-functional surfaces as a final treatment to protect the underlying surface, as it will not penetrate or adhere to a glazed or non porous surface!
It can be used over underglazes that have been cured and fired to manufacturer’s specifications. It can also be used to seal fine leaks and cracks caused by woodfiring.
Elements Air can also be used to seal the fine cracks of crazed and crawled glazes. If you are using these types of glazes on functional ware, it is best to test for leaching first!
It can be applied to all types of unglazed fired pieces including bisque ware, vitrified clay bodies and all alternative firing methods like pit, smoke, saggar barrel, naked raku etc. I have used it successfully on Obava pieces as well. It can also be used over unglazed post firing chemicals like soluble salts and chemicals like ferric chloride.
If you are going to use these chemicals on functional pieces, and you are not sure that it has all burned out at the temperatures you are firing, it is best to test for leaching first!
Please see the section on How do I use and apply Elements Air?
Elements Earth:
Elements Earth is an industrial grade permanent food safe nano sealer, and can be used on BOTH non-functional glazed and functional and non-functional unglazed surfaces as a final treatment to protect the underlying surface, as it bonds chemically with the surface! It is a PERMANENT nano sealer that bonds to most surfaces.
It is not recommended on functional glazed items at this stage, but tests are under way to determine its durability on fthese items.
Elements Earth was specifically developed to protect the Obvara signature on the Elements Ceramics functional ware due to its unique permanent protective layer.
It is most successful when applied on a hard surface.
It can also be used to protect lustres as it has anti-oxidation properties. The application to protect lustres must be done in a 3d manner, in other words, it has to cover the complete surface of the piece. Spot application could result in possible oxidation of the lustre through ingress from the surrounding uncovered areas.
As long as the surfaces applied to are smooth, Elements Earth can be applied to all types of unglazed raku fired pieces as well. It can also be used over underglazes that have been cured and fired to manufacturer’s specifications.
It can also be used over unglazed post firing chemicals like soluble salts and chemicals like ferric chloride. If you are going to use these chemicals on functional pieces, and you are not sure that it has all burned out at the temperatures you are firing, it is best to test for leaching first!
Please see the section on How do I use and apply Elements Earth?
Elements Air was not designed to be applied over a glaze as it will not adhere to the surface. It can however be used on the unglazed area of a piece next to a glazed area to protect the unglazed section. It will not adversely affect the glazed section of your piece.
Although Elements Earth can be applied to BOTH non-functional glazed and all non-functional and functional unglazed surfaces as final treatment to protect the underlying surface as it bonds chemically with the surface, it is not recommended on functional glazed items at this stage.
Tests are underway to determine its durability on functional glazed glazed ware.
If your piece contains glazed and unglazed sections, it is important that you clean the whole piece thoroughly after the recommended curing time, to remove all residu of the application on the glazed sections. This can be done with a soft cloth or sponge and a ph neutral cleaner.
If you use any toxic chemicals in your firing or any toxic ingredient that you’re not sure have burn out in the firing, the piece should be tested for leaching if it is going to be used as functional piece. In a case like this, it cannot be assumed that Elements Air and Elements Earth will automatically make the piece food safe.
It is not recommended on a Raku glaze that is used on functional ware to seal the cracks and crazes, as Raku glazes are dynamic and food safety can not be guaranteed.
It also does not have the same properties as a resin, epoxy or a varnish that will keep under fired clay bodies that are inherently unstable together. It will therefore not be successful on an unstable surface that flakes, crumbles or is powdery in any way after a firing.
If your ware is low fired, it will make the surface water repellant and oleophobic, but it will not protect the pieces against chipping and scrapes, as the clay body is inherently weaker than a high fired clay body.
The success if these two products are only as good as your pre-preparation of the surface of the piece and the fact that it needs to be completely dry and dirt/oil free before it is treated. Please see the sections on How do I use and apply Elements Air? and How do I use and apply Elements Earth? for further info.
Elements Earth is an industrial grade food safe advanced patented organic polysilane compound formulation in a n-Butyl acetate solution as a coating system for BOTH non-functional glazed and all functional unglazed ceramics surfaces.
Elements Earth bonds chemically with the surface it is applied to, and forms a durable permanent layer on the surface.
n-Butyl acetate, also known as butyl ethanoate, is an ester that is a colourless flammable liquid at room temperature. It is found in many types of fruit, where along with other chemicals, it imparts characteristic flavours and has a sweet smell of banana or apple.
Elements Earth has been certified as food safe to the stringest European Union (EU) and German (BSG 15) and US FDA standards. Please send me an e-mail for the Elements Earth MSDS and food safety certification for more info.
Elements Earth is natural solution with anti-bacterial properties, and unlike a varnish does not form a film on the treated surface. It forms a low sheen matt layer on the surface once dry and cured, that chemically bonds with the substrate and becomes part of it.
Elements Earth forms a permanent food safe antibacterial barrier layer that bonds chemically with the unglazed ceramic substrate and cures at room temperature. Surfaces protected with Elements Earth can be cleaned repeatedly.
The coating forms a complete seal and leaves the treated surfaces highly hydrophobic. The properties also causes organic dirt to lose its ability to stick or cling to treated surfaces, resulting in a low maintenance surface. The complete seal also protects the layers underneath from oxidation.
It has enhanced hydrophobic (water repellant) qualities and has the same oleophobic (oil and fat repellant) properties as Elements Air. It gives the surface a low sheen matt look and feels like velvet to the touch. It does not significantly change the natural look and features of the treated surface.
After the recommended full curing time of 5-7 days, the nano-net-matrix produced by Elements Earth Sealer hardens to the extent of being resistant to chemicals such as bases and acids between the range pH 2-13.
This product can also handle temperatures of up to 300°C and is self cleaning & low maintenance.
Elements Earth is particularly suitable for smooth, non-absorbent surfaces like high fired clays and porcelain, and is highly recommended for smooth high fired unglazed surfaces that needs extra protection.
Please dsend me an e-mail for the Elements Earth MSDS & Safety Data Sheet and see the How do I use and apply Element Earth section for more info about the remarkable properties and “how to use” instructions of this product.
Benefits of using Elements Earth:
- a permanent matt clear sealer that is hydrophobic & oleophobic
- certified food safe to European(EU), German German Food Article and Feed Law (BSG 15) & US FDA standards once fully cured
- contains silver nanoparticles fully bonded to the treated surface resulting in antibacterial properties of the coating
- dishwasher safe & heat resistant to 300°c if using cleaners with neutral ph: please see the section on dishwasher safety under the FAQ’S
- fluorine free, economical & easy to apply
- no need for harsh cleaning chemicals & detergents
- acids & alkali resistant in pH range 2-13
- high UV & chemical resistant
- prevents mould, algae, fungus, scale & efflorescence
- adds an extra layer of hardness and abrasive resistance to fully vitrified clay surfaces
- curing time at room temp to fully hydrophobic: 8-12 hrs
- fully cured at room temp for hardness 5-7 days
- touch dry in 60 minutes
- apply to smooth unglazed ceramic surfaces only
- dispose of any excess liquid in a safe manner
How do I apply Elements Earth?
The success of the Elements Earth application depends solely on you preparation of the surface.
Please see the IGTV Elements Earth section on the Elements_Ceramics Instagram account for demonstration videos on the different application methods.
The most important aspect to remember is that the surface that Elements Earth is applied to, is STABLE and COMPLETELY dry and free from any dust, oil, or any residue from your choice of firing. Elements Earth will not adhere to any surface that is flaking, dusty or crumbling. Elements Earth is also not designed to hold together an under fired clay body like an epoxy or glue would do.
Clean surfaces that has any carbon or organic matter or any other debri with a brush that will not scratch the surface. Use a mild cleaner like a bicarbonate of soda solution, or a ph neutral or environmentally friendly dishwashing liquid or cream cleaner.
If you are cleaning an Obvara piece use a soft sponge and take care to remove all the surface residue that that did not bond with the ceramic surface.
Rinse the piece to be treated well after cleaning, sanding and scraping, and make sure the piece is totally dry before applying Elements Earth. This can take a few days before all the water has evaporated, depending on the porosity of the piece. Cover with a light cloth while drying to prevent any dust from settling on the piece.
If you are using Elements Earth over a lustre or a glaze ensure that the surface is polished clean with a soft cloth that does not leave any residue.
Always wear gloves when handling the clean pieces to prevent oil from your fingers contaminating the clean and dry surface.
The carrier in Elements Earth is of a high VOC composition, ALWAYS wear a mask and gloves to protect your skin and lungs form any possible irritation or penetration that could permeate the skin.
- surfaces applied to must be absolutely dry
- always apply the coating in dry conditions
- clean surfaces with a neutral ph cleaner
- make sure all surfaces to be sealed and all applicators to be used are absolutely clean, dry, dust and grease free
- do not apply in direct sunlight
- surface temperature of ceramics to be sealed should be between 5°c-30°c during application
- ambient moisture must be between 30%-80%
- can be painted or sprayed, not recommend to be used as a dipped application
- decant small amounts into applicator container, only decant the amount that you can use in one application
- apply in small amounts until surface does not absorb any more liquid at a rate of 10-15ml/m²
- application should not be significantly less or exceed this quantity
- apply evenly in a vertical, horizontal, vertical direction at a time to ensure an even application and that the total surface of the piece is covered by the liquid. This will ensure that the protective 3d matrix on the surface is formed.
- don’t return unused liquid to the main container as it will contaminate the liquid and activate the curing process in the main container
- don’t re-use the applicator as it will contaminate the newly decanted liquid
- spray nozzles can be cleaned with n-butyl acetate
Porosity:
Please remember that regardless of the method used to cover the surface of the piece of fired ceramics with Elements Earth, varied porosity in the same piece can occur caused by hot/cold spots in the kiln, mixed clay bodies or varying firing temperatures. This means that you have to watch out for any areas on the surface that will need more sealer than others. Especially when using a brushing or spraying method.
Brushing: (recommended)
Use a soft brush and paint Elements Earth over the clay surface in a vertical horizontal vertical direction at a time to ensure and even application and the surface is completely wet and covered by the liquid. This will ensure that the protective 3d matrix on the surface is formed.
Pouring: not recommended
Dipping: not recommended
Spraying: (recommended)
This works for all pieces that needs to be treated but a spraying booth is recommended to contain the VOC’s in the carrier. Larger sculptural works or external sculptural work that is too large to be painted can also be sprayed.
Spray the surface taking care to cover all areas evenly in a vertical horizontal vertical direction at a time until the surface is completely wet. This will ensure that the protective 3d matrix on the surface is formed.
External work must be covered after is touch dry ( allow a period of 60 minutes) to protect from dust, rain and water until the full curing period has been reached. (full curing time at room temp to fully hydrophobic: 8-12 hrs, fully cured at room temp for hardness in 5-7 days )
Drying and curing:
After application suspend the pieces on spacers (timber skewer sticks or timber dowel rods work well) or a dish drying rack over a non absorbent surface to dry. A plastic sheet covering a table works well. The aim is to limit contact between the surfaces of the pieces and the drying surface( plastic sheet.
Care & Maintenance:
Unglazed ceramic surfaces sealed with Elements Earth are essentially self cleaning as the product is antibacterial, water repellant and oil repellent, and therefore resist staining from oil, grease, acids, alkalis & alcohol. Harsh chemical cleaners & detergents are not necessary and avoiding this will prolong the life of the sealed surface. Items can simply be cleaned with a soft cloth or a sponge and a mild environmentally friendly cleaner.
Troubleshooting:
VERY IMPORTANT! DO NOT pour unused liquid back onto to the original container as it will contaminate the liquid and start the curing process.
Don’t let the original container stand open and unattended for a prolonged period of time as the carrier will start to evaporate and this will affect the shelf life of Elements Earth. Close the lid of the mother container well as soon as the required amount was decanted from the bottle. Store in a cool dry environment.
Elements Earth functions much like a matt glaze in that foods with a high stain capacity like beetroot, turmeric etc can mark the surface if it is left on the item for a prolonged period of time. This does not affect the properties of the sealer but it is advisable to rinse tableware as soon possible after use.
Ceramic pieces not sealed correctly may not be food safe. Although Elements Earth adds an additional layer of protection to fired clay the barrier it provides will be broken if the underlying substrate is crumbling, chipped or compromised.
Always test the sealer for effectiveness for its intended purpose on a small batch of your ceramics before volume production. Especially if a new clay, technique or firing method is used.
The manufacturer’s warranty is limited to replacement of the product or a refund of the purchase price if the product is used as directed.
It all depends on the technique you are using and what you want to achieve.
If you are using a deep penetrative carbon technique like sagger, barrel or pit firing, ELEMENTS AIR will be sufficient to protect your ceramics pieces in giving it that final coating after firing. With these techniques, the burning carbon penetrate relatively deep into the ceramic piece because of the length that it is exposed to the carbon process. Elements Air also leaves no noticeable residue or “look” on the surface. The ceramics surface looks completely natural after application and curing time. If this is what you need for your ceramics pieces, please see the section on ” WHAT IS ELEMENTS AIR AND HOW DOES IT WORK” on the Elements Air FAQ page.
If you are using a shallow penetrative carbon technique on functional ceramic ware like Obvara, or marks done with horse hair or other hair and feathers etc that need extra protection against wear and tear, then you need to use ELEMENTS EARTH. With these techniques the fired clay body is typically not exposed to the burning carbon for a long time, and as a result the carbon does not penetrate deep into the clay. As I use high fired stoneware (1200 deg celsius) for my functional pieces, I found that the Obvara signature started to wash out after a while. This started the search for a durable food safe sealer that I could use to protect my functional pieces. Elements Earth can leave a soft matt finish after the drying and curing time on the clay body, depending on how much you apply. If you use these types of alternative firing techniques, and want to be sure that your ceramic pieces are adequately protected, please see the section “WHAT IS ELEMENTS EARTH AND HOW DOES IT WORK”.
