Expert: Leisha Hiester - 11/21/2010

Question
We are new to this and really need some help. When you pour your slip into the mold, how long does it need to stay there? Also is it at this time it is called greenware?Also when you get it out of the mold how long does it need to sit before you can clean it? After you clean it, can you paint it before you fire it the first time? Please help we are making some Christmas gifts.
Thanks,
Annie

Answer
Dear Annie,
You're a brave soul and I congratulate you for tackling a new venture! The slip needs to stay inside your mold until it starts setting up enough to make the walls approximately 1/4" thick. It may also start to pull away from the mold wall at this point. A few tries and you'll see what I mean.

The piece is referred to as 'greenware' when it has been taken out of the mold, is drying and has not yet been fired. Once it is fired for the first time it is called 'bisque'.

You want to allow the piece to become 'bone dry' prior to handling it much or cleaning it. You can tell easily by placing the inside of your wrist to the piece. When damp it will feel cold, when bone dry it will feel nearly room temperature.

After the piece is cleaned you can glaze it before the first firing with 'underglaze' if you like. The most common method is to fire once to bisque, glaze and re-fire. If you use underglaze you may still need to coat it with a clear glaze after the first firing and re-fire if you wish to have the piece glossy.

I hope this helps. Be sure and check the cone numbers when firing. A typical bisque or 1st firing is usually cone 04 and a 2nd or glaze firing is typically cone 06. You can check with your supplier for more specific product information.


Leisha