Expert: Leisha Hiester - 3/5/2011

Question
I just used my kiln for the first time and fired my stoneware at the ceramic settings.  Did I just ruin all my stoneware?  

newby

Answer
Lisa,
How many cars have you owned? After having owned numerous kilns, I've learned they're a bit like my cars. Each have their own quirks, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Some have such strong personalities they merit names. Now that I have a new car and kiln, I've observed even they too have small oddities.

For example, I have 5 kilns. All of them fire differently. I try to get to know each one of them intimately by using witness cones, charting my firings and studying results. A simple log or table that records each firing, cone, temperature, time, results will help you tremendously. I now know which levels fire hotter in my kilns, which levels produce better red results and more.

All that to say, use a chart and record as much data as you can for as long as you can stand to-or- until you get to know your baby.

When you say ceramic settings, what cone? What temperature? What cone and temperature does your stoneware require? If you underfired, you can refire them. Was it a bisque or a glaze firing?

There's so many resources available for you. Start with your supplier. Learn your clay and your glazes. Subscribe to resources. I get every ceramics magazine out there and read them veraciously. Here's a great free site that is invaluable and allows you to search topics;

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/

I hope this helps. Feel free to write again. Leisha