Expert: Leisha Hiester - 12/6/2008

Question
I did a large piece, flat with textures and sprigs and the studio owner said it was too large for her kiln, so I trimmed it and cut it into two interlocking pieces. I would like to hang the two pieces on the wall, after bisque firing and clear glaze but I don't know what to do know. Do I drill holes, how do I space them based on weight?? Thanks

Answer
Steven,
Are you wanting to re-connect them or simply hang them together well on the wall?
I use epoxy, the type you mix prior to gluing up. Fast set & slow set are available usually at Home Depot.

It's better to put the holes in the pieces prior to bisque firing, however you can use a diamond bit and drill holes in fired ceramic pieces. Use a piece of tape to mark the spot for your holes. Leave the tape on the drill site. It does help prevent some chipping out.

To determine where to put the holes I have used a grip device similar to a closepin to hold the piece in the air. Then attach a string & allow the piece to dangle carefully. If you're concerned about dropping the piece & breakage, place it over a mattress or in my studio I use an egg crate. Once the piece has stopped swinging you can determine the center of gravity.

If the piece is square, basically two evenly spaced holes at the top (centered & measured) will work well. I often use pieces of leather to string through the holes & hang pieces on the wall.

You can also consider framing ceramic pieces & hanging that way. In this case I use a construction glue or epoxy to attch the pieces to wood or whatever background used to frame.

I hope this helps. IfI haven't covered what you're looking for, please feel free to write again.

Leisha