Here is the overview of the ceramics process. If you are starting to make ceramics or are early in your making journey or haven’t yet attended a pottery class you may find it useful to guide you in your making. We describe different stages of the process of making and prepearing your work to a firing.
Greenware
Prepare clay: wedge/knead/mix.
Make work: store unfinished work wrapped in plastic airtight, it can be stored indefinitely if sprayed with water regularly.
Drying: standard drying time is from 2 days to 2 weeks for work up to 2 cm.
When work is bone dry, it is ready for a firing. It should not be cold to touch at a room temperature.
The work can be scrapped and recycled before a firing if unwanted, clay can be re-used.
Biscuit /First Firing
Regular firing. In our studio we fire bisque to 1000°C or to mid temperature 1100-1140C for some earthenware projects, with short soak on the top temperature. Greenware work can touch in this firing.
Cooling of the kiln depends on the heat retention of the kiln/kiln size. In our studio it varies from 8-14 hours.
Glaze work: Earthenware 900-1200°C, Stoneware 1200-1350°C
Always check temperature range of materials to avoid mistakes or damage to equipment.
Glaze Firing
Electric kiln, neutral, oxidation firing in our studio takes 8-10 hours.
Cooling of the kiln depends on the heat retention and the kiln/kiln size. Add extra 8-14 hours to the schedule.
Post-glaze decorating techniques: Lustre, enamels, transfers, decals – check the firing requirements! Fire at 700-900°C
This guide is prepared with reference to The Workshop Guide to Ceramics by Duncan Hooson and Anthony Quinn, 2012 and Louisa Taylor’s The Ceramics Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques, 2011
If you are interested in learning more and diving deeply into the world of ceramics, join our regular classes programme. We are one of the top places in London to study pottery, and have an expereinced team of instructors and educators. Get in touch if you would like to know more.