Arts >> Art >> Other Art

How to Fire Glazed Pottery in a Kiln

Firing glazed pottery is a science; the temperature, time and arrangement of glazed pieces in a kiln produce a specific color and texture. Firing glazed pieces too quickly, for too long, or while the pieces are in contact with other pieces or the walls or floor of the kiln, can result in cracking or explosions. Take precautionary steps when firing your glazed pottery and receive professional training on the machine before you attempt to fire pottery alone.

Things You'll Need

  • Scraping tool
  • Hand-vacuum
  • Soap
  • Hand towel
  • Tongs
  • Gloves
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your kiln out before use. Scrape away excess clay and glaze pieces from the top of the kiln and the walls. Vacuum the excess from the bottom of the kiln with a hand vacuum.

    • 2

      Wash and dry your hands. Use soap, water and a lint-free towel. The natural oils on your hands will leave marks on glazed pieces if you touch the pieces with dirty hands before firing.

    • 3

      Set the appropriate amount of shelves in the kiln, depending on how many pieces you're firing. Unlike bisque firing, glazed pieces cannot be touching each other, the walls or the top of the kiln at all. Any contact will ruin the glaze.

    • 4

      Space your dry glazed pieces out on the racks. Close the kiln door. Set the temperature to 150 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit on cone 04, 05 or 06. Each temperature and cone selection produces a slightly different result, making experimentation necessary to achieve your desired result.

    • 5

      Bake for up to two hours at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for up to four hours at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. For times and temperatures in between these numbers, monitor the look of your pottery through the window in the kiln. Power the kiln off if you see your pottery becoming too dark too fast.

    • 6

      Allow the kiln to cool down to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before opening the kiln door. Open the door and remove the pieces with tongs. Alternatively, wait for 24 hours until the kiln and the pottery cool completely. Then, remove the pieces with gloved hands.

Other Art

Related Categories