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Firing Ceramics
Home » Arts & Crafts » Ceramics » Firing CeramicsBefore a clay object can become a piece of ceramic, it must be fired in a kiln. A kiln uses extreme temperatures to transform raw clay into a permanent piece of ceramic. Controlled heat must be supplied over a specific length of time to create chemical and physical changes in the clay body and glazes.
The original kiln was a bonfire made of straw, wood or other combustible materials. Today, kilns have temperature gauges, pyrometric cones, and computer controllers allowing you to monitor the firing. Eye protection should be worn when looking through the spy hole because the extremely high temperatures can be damaging to your eyes.
Firing is the most important stage the ceramic piece goes through. There are several types of firings such as bisque, enamel, glaze, and oxidized and they all result in a different finish.
Most kilns basically work in the same way, the differences occur with the type of fuel used. Space in the kiln can be used effectively by stacking similar pieces rim to rim or by placing smaller items inside the larger ones. This process is called boxing.
Electric kilns give more predictable results than live flame kilns. With either method there is still a degree of unpredictability that adds to the excitement of seeing your finished product.
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