Pottery 101: Using the Kiln

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:13:01 +0000

Using a kiln needs some knowledge and forethought to prevent destructive results. Before you cook your clay masterpieces, take note of the proper ways in loading and firing the ceramic pottery kiln to ensure a successful firing. These are some way in properly loading and firing the ceramic pottery kiln.

In loading the kiln, remember not to load directly on the kiln’s floor as this can damage the floor and disrupt proper heating. Loading wares directly on the floor also disrupts proper air flow. Check that kiln has no cracks, debris, or glaze drippings. Make sure that the kiln is clean and in the proper state.

Once the kiln is secured, make sure it is cold and turned off before loading ceramic pottery. Support posts are essential to properly stack your ceramic wares. Use one inch posts if heat doesn’t come from below, otherwise two inch posts must be used. Arrange your pottery with the tallest pieces below and the smallest ones above to ensure proper air circulation and heat distribution inside the kiln. You can tightly stack pieces only in the first firing, even put them on top of one another. When firing glazed pottery, enough space must be provided so the pieces won’t touch each other. Allow one to inches in between pieces and the wall.

When the kiln is properly loaded, it is now time to fire it up. Most kilns have an electronic control and sensors that indicate the temperature. Electronic controls also shuts down the kiln automatically to prevent accidents and over-firing. Guide cones are also useful in indicating temperatures. As the temperature rises, cones bend. Correct firing will cause the cone to bend at a ninety degrees angle.

Never open the kiln when it is firing as this can cause burns and other accidents. When firing is done, shut off the kiln and leave it overnight to cool. Only when it’s cool can you take out the ceramic wares out of the kiln. Be patient and make sure you are loading and firing the ceramic pottery kiln correctly. After spending hours sculpting your pots, you wouldn’t want them destroyed so easily inside the kiln.

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Pottery 101: Using the Kiln