Sepia cannot always be relied on to retain its color in process of firing, but sometimes this is an advantage.
Light brown and yellow ochre are so similar to yellow brown, that one may easily be substituted for the other.
The gold colors, of all the colors, are the most difficult to manage. They consist of the carmines, pink, roses, and crimsons, -- called purples, -- and include the light violet of gold and dark violet of gold.
Carmine is called the "test color ; " and though this has especial reference to firing, it is as well a test of one's ability ; for the skillful manipulation of carmine is considered a standard of experience.
Both the firing of this color and its application require special treatment. If under fired, it comes from the kiln yellowish, and by no means agreeable in tone. Another and a stronger firing will restore it. If , on the contrary, it is fired too hard, it will come out with a blue or a purplish tint, that is even uglier than before, and far more disappointing, as the defect is irremediable. The lovely soft pure hue of pink is destroyed forever.
Sometimes a thin wash of carnation No. 1 fluxed and given a rather light fire, will improve this ; but carmine once destroyed by over firing is beyond restoration
