02 May 2023
Experimenting with the world of single firing!
Single firing in pottery is a technique that many potters have been exploring in recent years. In my case, I have recently been experimenting with it by placing glazed but not previously bisque-fired pieces into high-temperature firings.
But what exactly does high-temperature single firing involve?
In this post I share some of the advantages and disadvantages that have come up when using this technique.
High-temperature single firing is a process that involves firing the pottery in a single stage, without the need for a low-temperature firing (bisque) before glazing the piece. The glaze is applied to the raw clay and the piece is fired after it has dried completely.
Advantages:
✅ Time and cost savings: By reducing the number of firings needed, the time and cost involved in the production process also go down. There is no need to wait to fill a bisque kiln or to run several glaze kilns with those same already bisque-fired pieces.
✅ A variety of textures and colours: With single firing you can experiment with different textures and colours that are not possible with the traditional technique, although in many cases these effects are not properly documented and are the result of chance.
✅ Reduced emissions: By reducing the time and temperature needed to produce a ceramic piece, you cut down on polluting gas emissions and on the energy needed to produce the pieces.
Disadvantages:
❌ A greater risk of fractures and flaking: The single-firing technique can increase the fragility of the pieces, making them more prone to cracking or even breaking, which can cause a real disaster in the kiln.
❌ Less versatility: The single-firing technique is less versatile than the traditional one, which limits the range of products you can make.
❌ Limitations in the choice of glazes: Not all glazes can be used with the single-firing technique, which narrows your freedom of choice and can affect the final design of the piece, and the effect you get is not always the one you expected.
In conclusion, the single-firing technique in pottery offers many advantages, but also some important disadvantages to keep in mind. Have you ever used this technique in your ceramic pieces? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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