The
Second firing and glazing of a Ceramic piece
After the first firing, the clay has been turned to bisque
and is ready to have a diamond clear or colored glaze applied.
After application, the piece undergoes a second firing which
is phase 2 in the production of earthenware china.
Glaze is considered to be a form of liquid
glass that hardens when fired and is similar to the reaction
sugar has to heat in the process of making candy. First,
particles of glaze begin to soften and stick together .
As the temperature is increased, gradually the particles
of glaze melt together in a taffy-like consistency. Next
the glaze becomes more fluid and tiny bubbles form as gases
are released.
At high heat, the glaze
is at a boiling point. The kiln shuts off and the cooling
process begins. As the kiln and pieces cool, so does the
glaze. This is when the glaze covers and seals the entire
piece in glass shell or coating.
The firing schedule can range from 4 -
6 hours depending on the size of the piece. Cooling time
can range from 12 - 24 hours. Once this phase is complete
the piece is then considered to be earthenware china.
For more information please visit the
"Third Firing" on the left.
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