Ceramics process overview
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