Kiln Firing Service

Kiln Firing Information

Whether you are starting out on your ceramics journey or you’re a seasoned potter who for whatever reason doesn’t have access to a kiln, I am able to offer a kiln firing service for bisque and glaze firings in my garden studio in Nantwich, Cheshire. (address will be provided if you decide to book).

Internal dimensions of kiln

400mm x 340mm less an inch at the base and top for clearance. Shelf diameter is 350mm.

Rental is for the whole kiln firing rather than just a space on a shelf.

Temperature

I am happy to fire to bisque, earthenware and stoneware temperatures up to 1280℃. I can also do decal or onglaze lustre firings. As you are renting a full load firing it really is a bespoke firing with the exception of the items listed below.

What can’t be fired

Nothing solid that is liable to explode. Sculptural work must be hollow.

Work must not contain armatures or combustible material such as bubble wrap, polystyrene, cardboard, wood, organic materials or paperclay that will create smoke or harmful fumes.

All work must be fully dried out and bone dry for firing. Trapped moisture turns to steam and may cause your work to explode, taking out other pieces in the kiln with it.

Work can only be fired if you are able to provide details of the clay used and firing temperatures required.

You must be able to drop off the work and collect after firing. Although, if you live locally to Nantwich and would have difficulty dropping off/collecting I might be able to help with this. Sorry I am unable to offer a postal service.

Unfortunately I am not able to fire glass.

Glaze Firing

Work must arrive already glazed. Please ensure all bases are free of glaze and where you have a glaze that is liable to run provide ceramic ‘cookies’ to stand them on. For earthenware firings where a stilt is required please provide your own stilts. It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of your glaze at drop off in case any touch ups are required after being transported. If you’re unsure and need advice please ask.

Cost

£40 per firing. This price includes the cost of the energy, the time it takes to load and unload the kiln, monitoring of the firing and wear and tear to the kiln and shelves.

A payment link will be sent to you once you have booked a firing. No firings will be done unless payment is made in advance. Payment methods are debit/credit card or apple pay.

Turnaround times will vary depending on how busy the kiln is at the time. It’s best to enquire first, especially if you need an urgent firing.

Disclaimer

Such is the nature of ceramics, sometimes our creations don’t turn out as planned! I am unable to accept any responsibility for what takes place during a firing such as work cracking or exploding etc. There are many reasons why work can fail and i’m happy to help identify the issue in order to avoid it happening in future.

if you have any questions please ask! If you would like to book a firing please use the contact button to request a booking with details of what you’d like fired. Once a date has been agreed for you to drop off your work I will send you a payment link.