Quick guide to ceramics
5 Main Types of Clay:
1. Earthenware
2. Stoneware
3. Porcelain
4. Ball clay
5. Fire clay
The red clay we have is from Armadillo Clay & Supplies. It’s an earthenware clay called
“Longhorn Red.” The manufacturer says to bisque to Cone 04, then glaze to Cone 06.
Each piece is usually fired twice
Glossary
Bisque fire – the first time you fire a clay piece, wherein the clay goes through chemical
changes and becomes stronger (becomes a “ceramic”)
Earthenware – a low-fire clay that is very porous after firing
Glaze fire – the second time you fire a clay piece, after glaze is applied, it’s fired again to
chemically bond the glaze to the piece and give it a glassy finish
Greenware – clay that has been shaped and/or dried, but has not been fired yet
Low-fire – literally means it fires to a lower temperature
Leave lid propped open until kiln reaches 1000 degrees
Do not need to hold temp when firing bisque
Hold for 10-15 minutes when firing glaze
Top peep-hole always open
Preheat for bisque firing to remove water, don’t preheat for glaze
Bisque @ slow or med-slow speed only (med-slow for thin, small pieces only)
Glaze @ med-fast or fast unless manufacturer states otherwise
Bisque might take 6-12 hours to fire but then cools for 12 more hours