Expert: Leisha Hiester - 9/4/2009

Question
I am still pretty new at ceramics, if I have buld a box with contained without any openings, will this cause problems when I fire it. Do I need to have venting holes of some sort?

Thanks

Answer
Patti,
Congratulations on finding ceramics. You will have a lifetime of learning and fun.

Any enclosed area needs a small vent for trapped air to escape. If you trap air inside,it has to expand when heated up. When it expands it has to go somewhere. If trapped inside, it will pressure the walls and explode to get out if it has to. They can be small and undetected, perhaps on the bottom of your box.

Leisha