Simply Put

• Put ware to be fired into kiln

- “Stilting” is not necessary but recommended for large, heavy, or asymmetrical pieces

- Always be sure that the kiln shelves have a sufficient coating of kiln wash

- Decals should have been allowed to dry 24 hours

               COMPUTERIZED  KILNS
• Set Cone for 017 or 018              
• Set Firing Speed for MEDIUM    
• Leave kiln lid cracked about 1” and
  Leave all “peep holes” open (except if you are using a Down-Draft Kiln  Vent)

> Start kiln

• When kiln stops smoking, close lid
  This will usually be about 2 hours into the firing
  “Peep holes” may remain open the entire time
• When kiln shuts off, leave lid closed for 2 hours
• After 2 hours, crack lid 1”
  You may also just leave lid closed for the entire cool down
• Let kiln cool down naturally
• Remove ware when kiln has cooled

Approximate firing time is about 3 - 3½ hours

                     
                      MANUAL KILNS
• Put 017 or 018 cone into “Kiln Sitter”
• Leave kiln lid cracked about 1” and
  Leave all “peep holes” open (except if you are using a Down-Draft Kiln Vent)

• Turn ALL switches on LOW
• After 1 hour turn all switches on Medium
• After 1 hour turn all switches on High
• When kiln stops smoking, close lid
  This will usually be about 2 hours into the firing
  “Peep holes” may remain open the entire time
• When kiln shuts off, leave lid closed for 2 hours
• After 2 hours, crack lid 1”
  You may also just leave lid closed for the entire cool down
• Let kiln cool down naturally
• Remove ware when kiln has cooled

Approximate firing time is about 3 - 3½ hours

           More Simply Put

• Use the recommended “cone” for your ware

• Stilt your ware if necessary

• Leave the lid cracked and peepholes open (unless you’re using a power vent)

• DON’T FIRE FAST!

• Close the lid when the kiln has stopped smoking

• Don’t cool down fast, especially for the first 2 hours after the kiln has shut off

 Re: Down Draft Kiln Vents (Power Vents)

- It is not necessary to crack lid at the beginning
- Leave “peep holes” closed (except for the one in the kiln lid)
- Turn OFF the Power Vent for 2 hours when the kiln has shut off
- After 2 hours you may turn on the Power Vent
  Or, just leave the Power Vent off for entire cool down

This is the Overglaze/Decorative Firing for Hobby Ceramic and Terra Cotta  (Cone 017/018)

Chinaware and Stoneware Overglaze Firing should be a little hotter (Cone 015/016)

All Ceramic Decals, Gold, and China Paints* may be fired as described.

* China Paints are also know as Overglaze Colors, and are, in fact, the same colors that are used to print Ceramic Decals

For More Expansively Put see the link for  "Firing  Fundamentals".