Kiln firing (Pottery)

Kiln firing is a crucial process in the creation of pottery. It involves subjecting the pottery to high temperatures in a Kiln to transform it from raw clay to the finished product. Kiln firing is an essential step in the pottery making process as it hardens and stabilizes the clay, making the pottery more durable and resistant to wear and tear. pottery that has not undergone Kiln firing is usually referred to as greenware and is quite fragile and porous.

During Kiln firing, the pottery is placed in a Kiln, which is essentially a large oven that can withstand high temperatures. The Kiln can be fueled by electricity, gas, wood, or other fuels, depending on the type of Kiln and the requirements of the piece being fired. The pottery is then heated progressively to specific temperatures for certain amounts of time, depending on the type of clay, glaze, and desired finished product.

The first stage of firing is the bisque firing, which is usually done at a lower temperature and takes several hours to complete. The purpose of the bisque firing is to harden the clay and remove any moisture present in it. The pottery is then glazed with a liquid solution and placed back in the Kiln for a second firing called glaze firing. The temperature of the glaze firing is usually higher than that of the bisque firing, allowing the glaze to melt and form a glass-like surface on the pottery.

Kiln firing can be done in various Kiln types such as electric, gas, wood, and soda kilns. Electric kilns are the most common type of Kiln used in pottery because they are easy to operate and produce consistent results. Gas kilns are also popular because they create a unique atmosphere in the Kiln, producing a different range of colors and effects on the pottery. Wood kilns are traditional kilns used to produce pottery, and they are known for producing unique natural patterns on the pottery.

Overall, Kiln firing is an essential process in pottery making that contributes to the final product's appearance, durability, and quality. The temperature, type of Kiln, and duration of firing play an essential role in producing the desired finish.