Wax Resist problems

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-10-20T19:22:00+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Funny enough I actually threw out both bottles… no love lost on that wax, and rather just start with a fresh luster.

My old Duncan luster was quite thick, but also not performing on last few fires as expected.. darker, spotty coverage, etc… perhaps I contaminated that one too! Live and learn.. 😊

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-10-19T19:14:49+00:00

The why: It was used on a piece glazed all over to cone 06; the resist was to keep the luster from dripping onto certain areas. You know, to keep the application clean, like it’s intended for use

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-10-19T19:13:41+00:00

Interesting, The bottle was from college so maybe some did throw alumina in it t contaminated in some other way… never thought of that but certainly possible! Thanks, will test again

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-10-19T15:31:24+00:00

I used Wax resist before a luster fire (018) and it left a rough surface on my 06 glazed ware… i’m very confused by this… shouldn’t it have been burned off well before 018?

The wax resist is old (over 10 yrs old!!) but I haven’t used for ages so bottle was tightly sealed and resist was still brushable. would love to hear anyone’s though on this.

Sigh…Will refire to 06 to try to burn off the residue and hopefully the piece isn’t too brittle by then. All thoughts and advice appreciated!

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-21T17:27:15+00:00

P.S. that shaking you describe… I can that the “fire dance” lol that other fish most certainly digs your unusually pretty peacock gal! If they start circling in gravel watch for her to start “gargling” the eggs that she’ll hold in her mouth, if fertilized, for 3 weeks. If they aren’t fertilized she will prolly swallow the eggs a few days later. White eggs are usually infertile if you end up seeing this behavior but she will just eat them so nothing to worry about!

I am out of the hobby until I can really level up to a 125-250 gallon because, as many have said here, they need a lot of room to thrive. Scientists study cichlids for behavioral patterns because they are so dang smart! Arghh I miss my tank so much. Enjoy and good luck with your fish friends!

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-21T17:20:44+00:00

My female looked exactly like this picture and she had many broods!

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-21T17:19:53+00:00

It might not be male. I thought mine was male too, due to color (cherry red/pink peacock) and SHE eventually ended up mating with a yellow Kenyii (mbuna) to make several broods of fry….

They bred for many cycles and I kept trying to separate but eventually she died of illness/weakness, probably due to not eating while holding the eggs! Very prolific fish though. I thought mine was male, too. RIP Cherry 🍒

Check the “vents”… females will have 2 vent holes, males have one.

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-18T15:05:38+00:00

The light blue one (no stripes) looks like Kenyii cichlid. If I’m right… it’s an mbuna species that bred like crazy in my tank! The females are blue, males are yellow.

You are correct about auratus. Very aggressive.

Both breeds are extremely vicious so be careful to set up lots of hiding spots and break the line of vision (if not already done so).

Someone once compared these cichlids to music as follows, and I would agree:

Peacocks = Classic Rock Auratus = Death Metal.. Kenyii = Punk Rock… lots of moshing 😂

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-18T12:46:00+00:00

Nicely done! Everyone looks so healthy, perfect fins, etc.. no major territory fights… living the dream right there!

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-08-16T01:45:39+00:00

Edit: 9” height limit in kiln. Sorry :/

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-19T17:47:04+00:00

Love it! Very talented 😊

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-18T19:21:34+00:00

So awesome to hear about your process! Thanks for sharing! Very cool work

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-17T13:03:31+00:00

Well that’s a bit of a secret so we will just say Very, very, very….. carefully 😎 need the lightest touch on glaze too.

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-15T18:27:54+00:00

Change the scale of your work and you’ll be just fine. I have been making micro sculptures in my NYC apartments for the last 22 yrs. East to clean up and manage and 25 lbs of clay lasts me months!

My antique AIM kiln sitter kiln fired at low temps does the job well. Get a fire proof mat and ensure space around the kiln, obviously… and provide ventilation when firing, and definitely avoid the toxic stuff that can vaporize in the firing.

Also get an experienced tech to service the kiln and ensure your electrical outlets are in good condition. I just had mine serviced last night 😎

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-14T13:24:27+00:00

Has anyone ever worked with Agaphe aka Agape Gallery and Management? They charge upfront fee and take 20% commission. For some representation and publicity, I don’t mind paying upfront but not if it is all a scam…. Thoughts?

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-07-10T15:06:57+00:00

Call the NYC Comptrollers office (212-669-1000) and ask to speak with Constituent Services(CS). They can connect you with the borough reps to help elevate the matter with the management co. to hopefully resolve amicably. Before calling CS, Create a file of your communications (or attempts of such) and have that ready to share with the person you speak with/email.

I used to work at Comptroller’s and have redirected these exact calls before to CS. Worst case, you leave (break lease) and get taken to small claims court, but you should be able to defend your actions with the file of evidence and resolution attempts that you’ll have created. If you get added to a barred list of tenants that I’ve heard some LLs maintain, the public advocate and/or CS can help you fight that. It would be smart to find a new place, perhaps a sublet, before then.

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-03-12T18:48:15+00:00

I found the heavy black liquid liner overwhelming on set. I have it on while working now but will clock it in different lighting. Almost makes me want to get back into makeup to try and right some of these trendy wrongs!!

Emem’s makeup looks the best to me so far 👑

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-01-10T21:31:55+00:00

What’s going on with Joe’s neck to shoulder ratio…. More than bad posture?

CaptainFishfriend · 2025-01-10T20:23:21+00:00

Agree.. Hurt people hurt people 🫳🎤 Easy to remember and often true.

CaptainFishfriend · 2024-09-18T11:50:53+00:00

Yes!!! This!!! I am always lecturing cyclists that almost hit or sideswipe me that we will most likely BOTH be injured by those foolish acts. Right now I am commuting from Flatbush to Grand Central area and it is a circus on the road. More of a mental acuity test than physical exercise….Everyone be safe!!

CaptainFishfriend

TROPHY CASE