A Beginners Guide to

Ceramic Pottery





























Prepared for
Terry Smith

Prepared by
Maegan Garcia
Shomari Cotton
Teresa Gaitan
Zach Hair
2700.001

April, 16
th
, 2014


Table of Contents v
Table of Contents
Overview ...............................................................................................................................vii
Who is this program for? .............................................................................................................. vii
How this instruction manual is organized? .................................................................................... vii
Materials and Tools .............................................................................................................. viii
Tools Needed .............................................................................................................................. viii
Materials Needed ....................................................................................................................... viii
*Warning .............................................................................................................................. viii
Kilns ........................................................................................................................................... viii
Pottery Wheel ............................................................................................................................ viii
Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic ...................................................................................... 1
Shaping a Coil Vase ................................................................................................................. 1
Items Needed ................................................................................................................................1
Shaping Process for Section One - Vase Base ...................................................................................1
Shaping Process for Section Two - Outward Flare ............................................................................3
Shaping Section Three - Inward Movement .....................................................................................3
Shaping Section Four - Top .............................................................................................................3
Shaping a Ceramic Mug ........................................................................................................... 5
Items Needed ................................................................................................................................5
Shaping Process for a Ceramic Mug ................................................................................................6
Chapter Two - Bisque Firing .................................................................................................... 9
Bisque Firing Process ......................................................................................................................9
Chapter Three - Glazing Your Ceramic ................................................................................... 11
Choosing Your Glaze ............................................................................................................. 11
Dip Glaze ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Brush Glaze .................................................................................................................................. 11
Prepping Your Pottery .......................................................................................................... 12
Clean Pots Before Glazing ............................................................................................................. 12
Dampen Dry Pottery .................................................................................................................... 12
Use Clean Tools ............................................................................................................................ 12
Glazing Safety Tips ....................................................................................................................... 12
Making your glaze ................................................................................................................. 13
Materials and Tools Needed ......................................................................................................... 13
Mixing Process ............................................................................................................................. 13
Glazing Technique ................................................................................................................. 14
Dip Glaze Technique..................................................................................................................... 14
For a Solid Color ............................................................................................................................... 14
For a Drip Effect ............................................................................................................................... 14
vi A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery

Brush Glaze Technique ................................................................................................................. 15
For a Solid Color with Texture .......................................................................................................... 15
For Detailed Designs ......................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter Four - Glaze Firing .................................................................................................... 17

Overview vii
Overview
Pottery is the ceramic art of crafting wares from clay materials. Pottery expresses creativity and
can be used as a hobby, source of income, to vent through unspoken emotions, and so on.
Although pottery is a fun experience, caution should be taking when exploring newfound
territory. Heating materials up to 1000 to 2000F is a dangerous task. If not informed of
dangers and precautions, severe or fatal accidents are bound to occur. For this reason, this
instruction manual was created to help beginners know the ends and outs of creating pottery.

Who is this program for?
As stated above, pottery is an outlet for creativity to be expressed in a safe, closed environment.
Children and adults can find pottery very enjoyable. Children should be looked after when on
certain throwing wheels because children can be very accident-prone. Adults should only
operate heating the clay to create pottery.

How this instruction manual is organized?
The manual includes the following:

Materials and Tools
This portion contains the materials and tools needed as a beginner pottery maker. Figures
are provided for unfamiliar materials to unsure beginners know what tools they need and
what they look like. A brief warning section has was placed for general safety
precautions when operating possibly dangerous tools.
Chapter 1 Shaping Your Ceramic
This chapter covers shaping a clay mug and a clay pot. It gives detailed instructions for
crafting two different wares from clay material.
Chapter 2 Bisque Firing
This portion covers firing clay. It gives detailed step-by-step information for firing clay
to create pottery.
Chapter 3 Glazing Your Ceramic
This chapter covers general glazing. It discusses the different glazing options for
achieving different results. It covers prepping your pottery for glazing and different
glazing techniques. It also covers creating your own glaze. A separate optional Materials
section if placed in this chapter for tools need in creating your own glaze and all
interested in this section should refer to page 7.
Chapter 4 Glaze Firing
This chapter covers glaze firing. Chapter 2 gave instructions on firing clay to make
pottery. This section details the second firing step for including glaze on your finished
pottery.
viii A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery
Figure 1.6
Figure 1.4
Figure 1.5
Figure 1.3
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Materials and Tools

Tools Needed
Pottery Wheel*(Fig. 1.1)
Kiln* (Fig. 1.2)
Clay Extruder
Pottery Cutting Wire (Fig. 1.3)
Lazy Susan Turntable (Fig. 1.4)
Clay Board
Polished Stone
Brushes
Fettling Knife (Fig. 1.5)
Rib (Fig. 1.6)
Materials Needed
Pottery Clay
Pottery Glazes
Sink Trap for Clay
Sponge
Bucket of Water



*Warning

Kilns
Kilns can give off gases when operated and can give respiration problems. It is
recommended you invest in a kiln ventilation system
Kiln mitts or gloves should be warn at all times when operating the kiln.
The kiln requires a reliable power supply. Hire a professional electrician to set up
electrical services for your kiln.
Pottery Wheel
Throwing on the pottery wheel for long periods of time can cause carpel tunnel
syndrome.
Back problems can occur from bending over the pottery wheel for long periods of time.

Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic 1

Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic

Shaping a Coil Vase
Before working with the clay, first make sure that you know what the end product should look
like. Plan out how tall the vase will be and where the
vase will become wider and narrower. Figure 1 is the
finished product. Figure 1.2 shows the diagram with
measurements for the vase and has each of the 4
sections labeled.


Items Needed

Clay
Apron
Bowl of Water
Wire Clay Cutter
Extruder (if available)
Wooden Rib
Fork
Paint Brush
Clay Board
Lazy Susan
Ruler
Compass
Rolling Pi
Fettling Knife


Shaping Process for Section One - Vase Base

1. With the Wire Clay Cutter, cut a slab of clay
from the clay block of about 1-inch thick.
2. Place clay slab on Clay Board.
3. With Rolling Pin, roll the slab to inch
thickness.
4. With Compass, trace and circle 3 inches in
diameter on the clay slab.
5. With Fettling Knife, cut out the circle slab out.
6. Place clay circle on the center of the Lazy Susan; this is now your base.
Figure 1.1: Example of a coil vase
Figure 1.2: Coil vase with dimensions
2 A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery
7. With Extruder, extrude 3 coils that are
inch in diameter and 1 feet long. (If you
do not have an Extruder, roll out coils by
hand.)
8. With the fork and paintbrush,
1
score and
2
slip outer rim of the top face of your base.
9. Score and slip the bottom of one of your
coils.
10. Align the scored areas of your base and
coil and connect to two together. (See
Figure 1.3)
11. Have the coil make one revolution around the base. (If there is excess coil, cut it off with
the fettling knife).
12. Attach one end of the coil to the other.
13. Starting from the inside of the vase base,
blend the coil to the base by using one
hand to support the outside wall, and then,
using the other hand, push clay down from
the coil to the base from the inside of the
wall. (See Figure 1.4)
14. Score and slip the top of the newly attached
coil.
15. Score and slip the bottom of your second
coil.
16. Just like before, align the scored areas and
then attach.
17. Make one revolution and cut off any excess
coil.
18. Attach one end of the coil to the other.
19. Blend the inside of the newly attached coil to the previously attached coil. (Remember to
support the outside wall with one hand while using the other hand to blend the coils.)
20. Repeat steps 14-19 for the third coil.
21. Once the inside of the vase base is blended,
blend the outside walls together the same
way. (Now use one hand to support the
inside of the wall while blending the outside of
the wall.) (See Figure 1.5)
22. Moisten the walls slightly.
23. With the Wooden Rib, smooth out any rough
areas of clay. (Be sure to support the opposite
wall with hand.)
24. With ruler, measure the height of the vase base,
approximately 2 inches tall.

1. Making hash marks on clay with a fork.
2. A mixture of clay and water in the consistency of mush that acts like glue.
Figure 1.3: Coil wrapping around top of
base
Figure 1.4: Blending the coil to the base
Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic 3




Shaping Process for Section Two - Outward Flare

1. Extrude or roll out 13 coils that are inch in diameter and 2 feet long.
2. Score and slip the top layer of the vase base.
3. Score and slip the bottom of a coil.
4. When aligning the coil to the vase base, place the coil slightly outward to create an
outward flare. (You do not want the newly placed coil directly on top of the vase base.)
5. Make one revolution with the coil and cut off any excess coil.
6. Attach one end of the coil to the other.
7. Blend the newly attached coil to the vase base by using one hand to support the outside of
the wall and using the other to push down the clay from the coil to the vase base. (The
outside of the wall will maintain the coil pattern, so be careful not to morph it when
supporting the wall.)
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for all 13 coils. (As the vase gets taller, it should also become wider.)
9. With Wooden Rib, smooth out any rough areas on the inside of the vase. (Make sure to
support outside wall with your hand.)
10. With the ruler, measure the width of the opening of the vase and the height of the vase,
approximately 8 inches wide and 9 inches tall.


Shaping Section Three - Inward Movement

1. Extrude or roll out 9 coils inch in diameter and 2 feet long.
2. Score and slip the top rim of the vase.
3. Score and slip the bottom of one of the coils.
4. When aligning the coil to the vase, place the coil slightly inward to create an inward
movement of the case walls.
5. Make one revolution with the coil and cut off any excess coil with the fettling knife.
6. Attach the ends of the coil together.
7. Blend the newly attached coil to the vase base by using one hand to support the outside of
the wall and using the other to push down the clay from the coil to the vase base. (The
outside of the wall will maintain the coil pattern, so be careful not to morph it when
supporting the wall.)
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for all 9 coils.
9. Smooth out any rough areas of the inside wall with the Wooden Rib. (Make sure to support
the outside wall with hand.)
10. With ruler measure the height and width of your vase; width of opening approximately 3
inches and height approximately 13 inches.


Shaping Section Four - Top

Figure 1.5: Blending coils together
4 A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery
1. Extrude or roll out 5 coils a inch in diameter and 1 foot long.
2. Score and slip the top rim of the vase.
3. Score and slip the bottom of one of the coils.
4. Align the scored areas directly on top of one another.
5. Make one revolution with the coil, and then cut off any excess coil with fettling knife.
6. Attach the ends of the coil together.
7. Blend the newly attached coil to the vase base by using one hand to support the outside of
the wall and using the other to push down the clay from the coil to the vase base. (The
outside of the wall will maintain the coil pattern, so be careful not to morph it when
supporting the wall.)
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for the next coil.
9. For the last 3 coils, score and slip as in previous steps.
10. Align the coil slightly outward on the vase rim.
11. Blend coil to vase as in previous steps.
12. Repeat for all 3 coils.
13. Smooth out any rough areas of the inside wall with the Wooden Rib. (Make sure to
support the outside wall with hand.)
14. With ruler, measure the height and width of the vase and its opening; height
approximately 16 inches and width approximately 3 -3 inches.

With Wire Clay Cutter, remove the vase from the Lazy Susan by lining up the wire with the
top face of the Lazy Susan, start from the side opposite to you. Make sure the wire stays as
close as possible to the top face of the Lazy Susan. With both hands, slowly slide the Wire
Clay Cutter towards you. Carefully pick up the vase and place on the Clay Board. Let vase
dry for a 1-2 hours. It is now ready to be fired in the kiln.


Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic 5















Shaping a Ceramic Mug
For this process, we will be using a throwing wheel. Before you begin to work with the clay,
envision what your finished mug will look like. Have measurements for the height and width of
the mug. Also, determine big you want the handle to be and where it will be place on the mug.
Figure 1 shows the finished mug. Figure 2.6 shows the diagram with measurements for the mug


Items Needed

Bowl of Water
Wire Clay Cutter
Sponge
Throwing Wheel
Throwing Plate
Apron
Loop Tool
Ruler
Fork
Paint Brush
Wooden Rib
Steel Rib
Clay Board
Figure 1.6: Example of a ceramic
mug
6 A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery


Shaping Process for a Ceramic Mug

1. With Wire Clay Cutter, cut 1 pound of
clay from the clay block
2.
1
Wedge clay into a ball
3. Place clay ball onto the center of the
throwing wheel
4. Make sure that drip tray and other
components of the throwing wheel are
properly in place
5. Moisten hands in bowl of water
6. Moisten the sponge in the bowl of water
7. With wet sponge moisten the clay
8. To begin throwing, place one hand on the
left side and the other hand on the right
side of the clay ball (Allow hands to rest
on surface of throwing wheel plate)

1. Pushing and pressing on clay to expel all air
bubbles.
9. Support your arms by placing your elbows on
the inner part of your thighs
10. Slowly start the throwing wheel (Begin at slow
and work up to medium speed)
11. Apply pressure to the clay with hands in a
cupping motion (be sure to keep hands as
uniform as possible)
12. Change throwing wheel speed to fast speed (if hands or clay begin to get dry, use wet
sponge to moisten)
13. Center the clay by slowly adding more and more pressure to the clay (The clay should
begin to become narrower and taller until almost a cone shape)
14. With the palm of one hand, apply an even
downward pressure to the top of the cone while
using the other hand to continue cupping the clay.
15. Repeat steps 13 and 14 until your clay is centered
(You will know when it is centered by removing your hands from clay and seeing if clay
is spinning evenly)
16. Once the clay is centered, make sure that hands and clay are well moistened
17. To make opening, place index finger directly on the center of the clay
18. Slowly apply pressure straight down while slowly pulling your finger outward just
slightly until the desired width is attained; approximately 2 inches (try the make the
walls as even as possible)
19. Keep applying pressure down ward until you
are almost to inch away from the bottom of
Figure 1.7: Ceramic mug with dimensions
Figure 1.8: Centering clay into cone
shape
Figure 1.9: Centering clay with palm
Chapter One Shaping Your Ceramic 7

the clay.
20. To raise the height of the mug use two fingers
from one hand to apply pressure on the inside
wall of the mug and use two fingers from the
other hand to apply pressure to the outside of
the wall (Fingers should be exactly on the
other side of the wall from one another)
21. Slowly pull fingers upward, this will slowly
make the clay walls rise up (Try to make the
walls rise up as straight as possible)
22. Keeping repeating the process in step 21 until
desired height is achieved; Approximately 4
inches
23. With Steel Rib, scrape any excess clay from
wheel plate (medium speed)
24. With ruler, measure the height and width (Wheel at complete stop)
25. Moisten the walls of the mug and smooth
out any rough areas with Wooden Rib
26. With wire clay cutter, hold each end with
one hand and place on other side of the
mug
27. Hold the wire clay cutter as close to the
plate surface as possible
28. Slowly pull the wire clay cutter towards
you while having the wheel on slow speed
29. Carefully pick up mug and place on Clay
Board (Wheel at complete stop)
30. Allow to dry for 30 to 1 hour
31. While you wait, begin to make the handle
for your mug
32. To make handle roll out a small coil about a inch in
diameter and a foot long
33. Lay coil on flat surface
34. With rolling pin, roll coil flat to about inch in
thickness throughout
35. Allow handle to dry for about 20 minutes
36. Get your mug and place it upside down on the center of
the throwing wheel
37. Get four small pieces of clay and use them to hold to
mug to the wheel plate
38. With loop tool, begin to trim the bottom of the mug as
shown in Figure 1.13; width 2 inches (slow speed)
39. Remove clay pieces and then put mug right side up
40. Grab your handle and align where you want it to be on the mug (cut off any excess
handle if too long)
41. Score and Slip the mug where the handle will be attached
Figure 1.10: Making the opening
Figure 1.11: Raising the height of the
mug
Figure 1.12: Smoothing the mug
8 A Beginners Guide to Ceramic Pottery
42. Score and Slip the ends of the handle
43. Align the scored areas of the handle and mug (Make sure handle is stiff enough to hold
shape, if not let it dry for a few more minutes)
44. Carefully blend the handle to the mug with thumb
45. Set your mug out to dry for 2-3 hours
46. Once dry, you can fire the mug in a kiln



Figure 1.13: Trimming the base of the
mug


Chapter Two Bisque Firing 9


Chapter Two - Bisque Firing
Note that bisque firing, as explained below, takes place before applying to the ceramic. Glaze
firing takes place after initially firing, cleaning, and glazing the ceramic. You should practice
caution when using a kiln to fire your ceramic due to the high temperatures and fire hazards
associated with the firing process. It is also crucial that you leave the kiln door sealed during the
firing process, as changes in temperature could destroy the pottery inside. Always fire your
pieces in a well-ventilated area as heated pottery and glazes could give off dangerous fumes.

Bisque Firing Process
This step in the kiln firing process is important because bisque firing changes the clay into
ceramic material, reducing the risk of damaging the piece while decorating or glazing. Bisque
firing involves heating at a much slower rate than glaze firing; Firing at a slower rate reduces the
likelihood of pieces cracking or breaking in the glaze firing.

1. Confirm pieces have completely dried after assembly. Generally your ceramic should dry
after resting on an open surface undisturbed for two days. The length of time needed to
dry will vary based on the size and thickness of the clay used to build your ceramic.
2. Group your dried ceramics together for firing according to similar height.
3. Place the primary posts inside the kiln according to your desired shelving layout. The
initial posts should be slightly taller than the height of the tallest piece of pottery per
layer.
4. Place your previously grouped pieces inside the kiln, around the supports. In this phase,
pieces may touch and stack on top of each other.
5. Place shelves on top of the support posts and above your pieces. Keep in mind, thicker
pieces should lie closer to the bottom of the kiln, as this area is the hottest. Repeat steps 3
and 4 until the kiln is sufficiently filled (see Figure 2.1).
6. Fire the kiln according to your pieces required time and temperature. Generally, the
firing temperature is
approximately 1750 degrees
Fahrenheit for an average of
18 hours.
7. Remove the pieces from the
kiln once they have reached a
safe temperature to handle.
Allow the pieces to finish
cooling completely and
undisturbed.
8. Clean each piece with a
slightly wet sponge to remove
any dust or debris.
Figure 2.1: Kiln loaded with bisque ware

Chapter Three Glazing Your Ceramic 11

Chapter Three - Glazing Your Ceramic

Choosing Your Glaze
Dip Glaze
Dip glazing your pottery has several advantages.
Dip glazing is one of the fastest methods of glazing
pottery. Dipping pottery also give the pottery a nice,
even coat. You can even limit the glaze to the
outside of the pottery, allowing for a different glaze
to be used inside. Dip glazing allows you to create a
dripping effect on pottery, as shown in the top of
Figure 3.1. The dripping effect is a popular style of
glaze that allows you to use multiple colors to
decorate your pottery. You can also choose a solid
color to dip glaze your pottery in, as shown in the
bottom of Figure 3.1.


Figure 3.1: Examples of dip-glazed ceramics

Brush Glaze
Brush glazing is a slightly more advanced technique
when it comes to glazing pottery. However, it
allows you to apply details to your pottery that you
are unable to achieve with dip glazing. Brush
glazing takes more time and attention, but gives you
a wonderful finished product. Brush glazes are used
to give pottery ornate designs, as shown in the top
of Figure 3.2. Brush glazes can also be applied
more simply, as shown in the bottom of Figure 3.2.
Brush glazing allows you to create texture on your
pottery piece.







Figure 3.2: Examples of brush-glazed pots
12 A Beginners Guide to Pottery
Prepping Your Pottery
Before glazing your pottery, you should follow these guidelines. These guidelines will help you
avoid glaze problems in the kiln and ensure that you achieve a good, even glaze coating on your
piece of pottery.

Clean Pots Before Glazing
Glaze does not like dirty pottery. Before you begin glazing, clean each piece using a stiff brush
or a slightly damp sponge to remove any dust. If there is any chance of your piece of pottery
having grease on it, including grease from fingerprints, clean it thoroughly with mild dish soap to
remove the grease. Then, rinse the pottery thoroughly to remove the soap. Let the pot dry
completely before applying your glaze.

Dampen Dry Pottery
Dry pottery can lead to
overly think glazes that can
run. Also, if your piece of
pottery is too dry, the raw
glaze will stick too quickly,
which will result in an
uneven glaze. Just before
glazing, dampen the
potterys surface with a
damp sponge. Make sure
the sponge is not dripping
wet. If possible, use
distilled water. Using
distilled water reduces the
amount of trace minerals
(such as ironand calcium)
to the potterys surface.

Use Clean Tools
You want to use clean tools that are free from dust. Dust can become trapped beneath your glaze
and leave an unsightly bubble. Consider all tools you will be using during the glazing process,
such as mixing tools, brushes, bowls or cups to hold the glaze, and of course, your hands.

Glazing Safety Tips
Avoid having food or drinks anywhere near your workspace
Avoid allowing small children or pets to be near your workspace
Wear an apron or smock
Avoid putting your fingers on or near your face or any open wounds as glaze dust may
contain hazardous materials.
Keep your workspace clean and free of dust.
Figure 3.3: Example of a clean workspace
Chapter Three - Glazing Your Ceramic 13

Making your glaze

Materials and Tools Needed

Transparent glaze powder (available at
ceramic supply shops)
Color pigment of your choice
(available at ceramic supply shops)
A sieve with a small mesh
Water
Measuring cup
Bowl for mixing
Container with lid for storing
Protective mask (optional)
Small painting brush
Spoon
Paper
Gram scale


Mixing Process

1. Weigh 100g of transparent glaze
powder on paper.
2. Transfer the 100g of glaze powder into
the mixing bowl.
3. Measure 3 to 5 grams of pigment on
paper. Use more pigment for a darker
color. *rmg0128
4. Transfer pigment into the mixing
bowl.
5. Add 200mL of water to the mixing
bowl.
6. Mix ingredients.
7. Put glaze mixture through the sieve
into storage container.
8. Use brush to push glaze mixture
through sieve.
9. If necessary, run the mixture through the sieve a second time.


* For every 100g of glaze powder, add 3 to 5 grams of pigment
Figure 3.4: Materials needed to create glaze
Figure 3.5: The mixing process
14 A Beginners Guide to Pottery

Glazing Technique

Dip Glaze Technique
There are two different effects you can achieve by using a dip glaze: the drip effect or the solid
color. For this type of glaze you will need a bowl or container large enough to fit your piece of
pottery without touching any of the edges and dipping tongs.


For a Solid Color

1. Pour glaze mixture into the bowl or container.
2. If you do not have enough glaze mixture to fill the bowl or container, make more.
3. Make sure not to fill the bowl or container to the top because when you put your piece of
pottery in, the level of glaze will rise.
4. Using dipping tongs, hold your piece of pottery with the opening facing up.
5. Using a single, fluid motion, lower the piece completely into the glaze, without allowing
the piece to touch the bowl.
6. Hold your piece in the glaze, keeping it level, for about 3 seconds.
7. If you wish to give your piece a more textured surface, leave the piece in the glaze for
about 7 seconds more.
8. Pull your piece straight up, out of the glaze mixture.
9. While still holding your piece opening down, quickly rotate it, as if you were opening a
screw-top lid, to remove any excess glaze.
10. Turn the piece right side up.
11. Set piece aside to dry.
12. Allow piece to dry for a day before firing.


For a Drip Effect

1. Choose the glaze mixture you wish to apply to the base or bottom of your piece of
pottery.
2. Pour the glaze mixture into a bowl or container large enough so that your piece fits nicely
inside of it.
3. If you do not have enough glaze mixture to fill the bowl or container, make more.
4. Make sure not to fill the bowl or container to the top because when you put your piece of
pottery in, the level of glaze will rise.
5. Using dipping tongs, hold your piece of pottery with the opening facing up.
6. Using a single, fluid motion, lower the piece two-thirds to three-quarters of the way into
the glaze, without allowing the piece to touch the bowl.
7. Hold your piece in the glaze, keeping it level, for about 3 seconds.
8. Pull your piece straight up, out of the glaze mixture.
Chapter Three - Glazing Your Ceramic 15

9. While still holding your piece opening down, quickly rotate it, as if you were opening a
screw-top lid, to remove any excess glaze.
10. Set piece aside so you can pour your second glaze mixture into a clean bowl or container.
11. Using dipping tongs, hold your piece of pottery with the opening facing down.
12. Using a single, fluid motion, lower the piece into the glaze until the first glaze touches the
new glaze.
13. It is okay if the glazes slightly overlap.
14. Hold your piece in the glaze, keeping it level, for about 10 seconds.
15. Pull our piece straight up, out of the glaze mixture.
16. Turn the piece upright quickly without removing any excess.
17. Set the piece of pottery on a clean surface so the glaze can run down the side.
18. Allow the piece of pottery to dry for a day before firing.


Brush Glaze Technique
Brush glazing allows you to detail your piece of pottery. You can also use a single color and use
a brush to create texture on your piece of pottery. For this type of glaze, you will need a small
bowl to hold your glaze (your piece of pottery will not need to fit inside), pottery paint if you
want to detail your piece, a small bowl to hold your decorative pottery paint, and a couple of
brushes. You can choose any size of brush depending on what kind of texture you want. For
example, if you want a course texture, choose a larger brush. If you want a fine texture, use a
smaller brush. For detailing, use a small brush as well.


For a Solid Color with Texture

1. Pour glaze mixture into a small bowl.
2. Place your piece of pottery upright on a flat working surface.
3. Using your brush, coat the entire piece of pottery with the glaze mixture. The bottom of
the base will not be coated.
4. Give your piece of pottery a second coat.
5. Let your piece sit for about 5 minutes.
6. Choose the places on your piece that you would like to texture.
7. Brush the glaze onto the piece in the direction you would like your texture to run.
8. Repeat brushing your glaze in the same direction until there is a thick coat on your piece.
Avoid making the glaze too thick because it will run. You should be able to see your
texture.
9. Let your piece of pottery dry for a day before glaze firing.


For Detailed Designs

1. Pour glaze mixture into a small bowl.
2. Place your piece of pottery upright on a flat working surface.
16 A Beginners Guide to Pottery
3. Using your brush, coat the entire piece of pottery with the glaze mixture. The bottom of
the base will not be coated.
4. Give your piece of pottery a second coat.
5. Let your piece sit for about 5 minutes.
6. Pour a small amount of decorative pottery paint into a clean small bowl.
7. Use a small brush to decorate your piece of pottery.
8. Let your detailed designs dry for about 20 minutes.
9. Give your piece of pottery another even coat of glaze.
10. Let your piece of pottery dry for a day before glaze firing.


Chapter Four Glaze Firing 17

Chapter Four - Glaze Firing
This step in the firing process follows the glazing process, after your piece is completely dry. To
prevent problems in the glaze firing process, avoid allowing pieces to touch and avoid stacking
pieces as the glaze could run and fuse the pieces together.

1. Confirm pieces have completely dried after the glazing process.
2. Group your dried ceramics together for firing according to similar height and size.
3. Place the primary posts inside the kiln according to your desired shelving layout. The
initial posts should be slightly taller than the height of the tallest piece of pottery per
layer.
4. Place your previously grouped
pieces inside the kiln, around
the supports. In this phase,
pieces cannot be touching nor
stacked within each other or the
glaze will fuse pieces, bonding
them together.
5. Place shelves on top of the
support posts and above your
pieces. Keep in mind thicker
pieces and denser glaze types
should be closer to the bottom
of the kiln, as this is the hottest
area. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until
you have completed loading
the kiln with your pieces (see
Figure 2).
6. Fire the kiln according to the
required time and temperature
for the glaze. Generally, the
firing temperature is
approximately 2300 degrees
Fahrenheit for an average of 18
hours.
7. Leave the completed pieces
inside the kiln and allow the
kiln to cool for approximately
2-3 days before removing them.

Figure 4.1: Ceramic pieces in the kiln for glaze firing