Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Firing and other Ceramics topics.
Salt firing refers to the introduction of salt to wears the end of a firing to get a salt glaze effect. Usually done in large wood or gas kilns, salt is introduced into the mature kiln chamber by the pound at the end of a firing. Due to the intense heat, the salt volatilizes and the sodium chloride splits into sodium and chlorine gas. The chlorine combines with moisture to form hydrochloric acid, escapes into the kiln atmosphere and exites via the flue, while the sodium combines with aluminium oxide and silica oxide in the clay, forming a glaze on any exposed surface of the work.
Guru Spotlight |
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. |