Glaze Firing

After glazing and painting, pottery moves into the glaze firing stage—the final and most transformative phase of the ceramic process. This is where the applied glazes mature under intense heat, melting into a smooth, glass-like coating that both beautifies and protects the piece.

The process begins with careful kiln loading. Each glazed piece must be handled gently to avoid smudging or chipping the delicate, unfired glaze. Potters ensure that no surfaces touch, as melted glaze can fuse pieces together. Kiln shelves are often coated with kiln wash to prevent accidental sticking during firing.

Once the kiln is packed, it is heated gradually to extremely high temperatures—typically between 1200°C and 1300°C (2190°F to 2370°F) for stoneware, or slightly lower for earthenware and porcelain. During firing, the glazes undergo a series of chemical transformations: water evaporates, oxides react, and minerals melt to form a glassy surface that bonds permanently to the clay body.

The kiln atmosphere—whether oxidation or reduction—also plays a key role, affecting color and texture. Subtle variations in heat, airflow, or placement can create unique effects, making every piece distinct. After reaching peak temperature, the kiln is cooled slowly to prevent cracking or thermal shock.

When opened, the once-dull glaze reveals its final sheen, depth, and character. What emerges from the kiln is no longer raw material but a finished work of art—durable, expressive, and complete.

Glaze firing is the culmination of the entire pottery process—a moment where craftsmanship meets chemistry, and fire seals the artist’s vision into permanence.