Thick pieces/Carbon burnout

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Handbuilt and other Ceramics topics.

How do I fire my ware?

Thick pieces/Carbon burnout

Have I allowed enough time for carbon burnout?
It is important to burn out all carbon from the ware before higher temperatures are reached (1200°F or 650°C). It takes time for oxygen to move into the pourous body, react with the carbon and then leave. If carbon remains, many problems can occur. These include problems with colour, glaze fit, strength, blistering and discolouration. Use of a downdraft vent system, combined with slower heating, virtually eliminates carbon related problems.
Heating & Cooling Control
The best way to control cracking problems during firing is by controlling the rate of heating and cooling for the kiln. During firing, materials that make up the body undergo many changes. Special care must be taken at temperatures below 1500°F (815°C) to heat the body uniformly.

Remember, the thicker the wall, the slower the heating should be done. Above 1500°F temperatures can be increased more rapidly because the changes are less likely to causes stress cracks within the ware.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Ceramics Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Ray Lokar