The Perfect Timing for Glaze Drying: How Long Before Firing?

Glaze should dry completely before firing to avoid cracks and bubbles in the glaze surface. The drying time depends on the thickness of the glaze, humidity, and temperature conditions, but generally it takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to wait until the glaze is completely dry to the touch before firing to … Read more

Terracotta: An Ancient Art Form with a Timeless Beauty

Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that is used for making various decorative & functional objects such as sculptures, pots, tiles, & roofing. It is known for its reddish-brown color, porous texture, & relatively low firing temperature. Terracotta has been used for thousands of years in many cultures, including ancient civilizations in China, … Read more

Exploring the Art of Salt Glazed Pottery

Salt glazed pottery is a type of ceramics that is made by applying a layer of salt to the surface of the clay before firing. The salt reacts with the silica in the clay and creates a glaze that gives the pottery a hard, glossy surface. The glaze provides a barrier against water. The unique … Read more

Unveiling the Mystery of Grog in Pottery

Grog in pottery refers to crushed, fired clay that is added to raw clay to improve its strength and reduce cracking. The grog particles help to distribute stress evenly throughout the piece, making it less likely to break during the firing process. This technique has been used for centuries and is particularly useful for larger … Read more

The Beauty of Earthenware: An Exploration of Its History and Uses

Earthenware is a type of ceramic material made from a mixture of clay, sand, & water that is fired at low temperatures (typically around 1000-1200°C). It is porous, has a reddish-brown color, & is often used for making decorative objects, such as pottery & terracotta figurines. Earthenware is less durable than other ceramics such as … Read more

Unlocking the Secrets of A Kiln Sitter: An Essential Primer

A kiln sitter is a device used in pottery and ceramics to control the firing process in a kiln. It operates by monitoring the temperature inside the kiln and cutting off the heat when the proper temperature has been reached. This helps ensure consistent & accurate firing results, & prevents over-firing or under-firing, which can … Read more

Unlocking the Mysteries of Kiln Technology: How Do Kilns Work?

Kilns are oven-like structures that use heat to bake or dry a variety of materials such as ceramics, bricks, and wood. They work by heating a chamber to a high temperature and controlling the amount of air flow inside. This process allows for controlled and efficient heating, making it possible to produce consistent results. Kilns … Read more

Kiln Elements: How Long Can You Expect Them to Last?

Kiln elements last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the usage and frequency of firing. Regular use, high firing temperatures, and extended firing periods can reduce the lifespan of kiln elements. To prolong the life of kiln elements, it is important to fire at the proper temperature and duration and to avoid overloading … Read more