โปรโมชั่น

Did you know that... in the world of ceramics, "temperature control" is a very important matter that should not be overlooked? It's not just about heating the kiln quickly and being done with it. We need to control the temperature precisely during both the firing phase and the cooling phase, as well as control the atmosphere inside the kiln as desired. Most importantly, fuel must be used as efficiently as possible to achieve maximum heating efficiency!

And here are 4 important factors in temperature control that will help your ceramic work turn out beautifully and flawlessly.

1. Understand the "nature" of your own kiln

Believe it or not, even ceramic kilns built exactly the same way, step-by-step, no two kilns will produce 100% identical results. Every kiln has its own unique characteristics and minor imperfections. But don't worry, as long as potters like us keep firing for a while, we will start to understand the specific characteristics of that kiln and be able to consistently fire our work to the same beautiful quality.

2. The timing of temperature adjustments... must be just right!

When firing a ceramic kiln, we should adjust the temperature up and down appropriately. We should not be impatient and rush the firing too quickly, nor should we "soak fire" or maintain the heat for too long without adjusting the temperature. This not only wastes energy and fuel unnecessarily, but also causes the chemical reactions of the glaze and clay body to go awry, resulting in a finished piece that is not as beautiful as it should be.

3. Set the firing temperature precisely

• Over-firing: If the firing temperature is set too high above the vitrification point, the glaze will run and stick to the kiln shelf, the clay body will bloat, and in severe cases, the kiln may warp or break down, damaging the pieces.

• Under-firing: The resulting work will have a rough, dull surface and colors that are not vibrant and beautiful... But the good news is that in cases of under-firing, it can still be corrected by simply refiring the piece at a higher temperature.

4. Don't forget! The "Firing Log" is essential.

Whether it's bisque firing, glaze firing, or overglaze firing, keeping a Firing Log is an important technique that professional potters always do. This helps us know which firings were successful and which encountered problems. When a problem arises, we can review the log, find the root cause, and correct it immediately for the next time.

Another advantage is that when you want to produce the exact same type of pottery again, you can just refer to the old firing log. Therefore, ceramic work requires a relatively high level of experience. Whether you are a beginner or an expert potter, you should maintain standards by taking notes every time. You can write down notes or plot points on a Firing Chart.

Adjusting the temperature and firing time may vary depending on the type of clay, glaze, and kiln size. Diligent observation and note-taking are the most important keys.