The firing times required to heat, dry, and vitrify clay successfully depend on kiln size, clay type, target cone, and firing schedule. See firing durations.
When first starting out in pottery and ceramics, it’s easy to underestimate just how long the firing process takes from start to finish. Unlike quick small projects, firing clay into durable, usable ceramic requires extended stays inside the kiln to allow the necessary chemical transformations to occur fully.
Rushing the firing stages risks under-fired or defective results. Being well-prepared with realistic time expectations helps ensure you allot sufficient time in your studio schedule for thorough firing.
Here we will look at estimated durations for common firing types based on the kiln scale:
The initial bisque firing phase converts raw, fragile clay into a stable porous ceramic suitable for applying glazes and decorations. A bisque firing must heat gradually and hold at temperature to complete the dehydration process without shocking and cracking the ware.
For properly bisque firing bare clay pieces without glaze:
Bisque firing duration highly depends on the ramp rate, with slower ramps taking longer to complete an entire cycle. But slow, patient bisque firing is essential for avoiding defects.
After bisque firing, earthenware clay bodies are typically fired to maturity at temperatures ranging from Cone 06 to Cone 02 (1922°F - 1945°F).
Standard firing times for various kiln sizes are:
The lower density earthenware clay requires slightly less time at peak temperature than stoneware or porcelain to fully mature.
Vitrifying stoneware clay bodies fully requires higher kiln temperatures spanning approximately Cone 6 to Cone 10 (2165°F - 2381°F). For stoneware clays, typical firing durations are:
The extended time ensures the dense stoneware clay soaks up enough heat all the way through while gassing off any trapped air pockets.
Porcelain clays demand the highest kiln firing temperatures ranging from Cone 8 to Cone 10 (2300°F - 2381°F) to develop their signature hardness and translucency. To mature porcelain, plan firing times around:
The ultra-high vitrification process that porcelain requires explains the substantial firing time needed even in small hobby kilns.
For the final firing stage that sets glazes and bonds them to bisqueware, typical glaze firing times are:
Since bisque firing has matured the clay body, less peak hold time is required in glaze firing.
Always budget extra hours for the cooling process based on kiln size and fully unloading before starting timing estimates. Cooling is often overlooked but just as critical as the heating stages.
With realistic expectations set for the hours and days firing clay may take up based on your equipment, you can plan studio projects accordingly. Rushing anything during firing risks irreversible defects, so proper patience truly pays off!
