Blick Art Materials
03-02-2011, 01:53 PM
Ceramic Kiln Firing Tips
Once greenware is ready to be fired, making sure the vessels are properly loaded and the appropriate firing schedule is executed will ensure successful firing results. On the flip side, rushing a firing or overloading the kiln can be disastrous with frustrating results that could have been eliminated.
Air Drying Greenware
Vessels must be fully air dry before firing to prevent cracking during the firing schedule. Trapped moisture inside the vessel must escape somewhere and it will gravitate to any opening it can find. While the moisture attempts to push its way out, it most likely will cause the vessel to break in the process. Allow greenware to air dry for a couple of weeks before bisque firing. Once the greenware no longer feels cold to the touch, it should be ready to be fired.
Loading the Kiln
Elevate the ware from the bottom on the kiln floor, as any fugitive pieces or glaze drippings can permanently damage the kiln chamber. Place 1” posts and position the bottom shelf to serve as the base layer, making sure the posts and shelf are level.
Balance the load with largest vessels in the center of the kiln and smaller pieces towards the bottom and top, because the center of the kiln is generally the hottest.
Space vessels apart in the kiln for glaze firings to prevent pieces from fusing together. During the bisque firing, smaller pieces may be stacked inside larger vessels to maximize the firing space. In spacing the shelves, leave a ¼” gap between half shelves to allow the kiln to “breathe” to help the flow of oxygen within the kiln chamber. Leave a 2” gap between the lid and the closest pieces to further encourage oxygen flow.
-Kristal F.
Product Information Specialist
For further assistance using art supplies, feel welcome to contact our Product Information Department at
1-800-933-2542 or e-mail us at info@dickblick.com (info@dickblick.com). Hours of operation: M-F, 8:00am-5:30pm CST.
Once greenware is ready to be fired, making sure the vessels are properly loaded and the appropriate firing schedule is executed will ensure successful firing results. On the flip side, rushing a firing or overloading the kiln can be disastrous with frustrating results that could have been eliminated.
Air Drying Greenware
Vessels must be fully air dry before firing to prevent cracking during the firing schedule. Trapped moisture inside the vessel must escape somewhere and it will gravitate to any opening it can find. While the moisture attempts to push its way out, it most likely will cause the vessel to break in the process. Allow greenware to air dry for a couple of weeks before bisque firing. Once the greenware no longer feels cold to the touch, it should be ready to be fired.
Loading the Kiln
Elevate the ware from the bottom on the kiln floor, as any fugitive pieces or glaze drippings can permanently damage the kiln chamber. Place 1” posts and position the bottom shelf to serve as the base layer, making sure the posts and shelf are level.
Balance the load with largest vessels in the center of the kiln and smaller pieces towards the bottom and top, because the center of the kiln is generally the hottest.
Space vessels apart in the kiln for glaze firings to prevent pieces from fusing together. During the bisque firing, smaller pieces may be stacked inside larger vessels to maximize the firing space. In spacing the shelves, leave a ¼” gap between half shelves to allow the kiln to “breathe” to help the flow of oxygen within the kiln chamber. Leave a 2” gap between the lid and the closest pieces to further encourage oxygen flow.
-Kristal F.
Product Information Specialist
For further assistance using art supplies, feel welcome to contact our Product Information Department at
1-800-933-2542 or e-mail us at info@dickblick.com (info@dickblick.com). Hours of operation: M-F, 8:00am-5:30pm CST.