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Firing glaze twice, also known as refiring, is a technique used in ceramics to achieve specific visual effects or to correct certain issues that may arise during the initial glaze firing. While refiring can yield interesting results, it also comes with potential challenges and considerations.
Effects of Refiring
Refiring glazed ceramics can lead to:
- Color Changes: Glaze colors may intensify, shift, or interact differently with each other.
- Surface Texture: The surface texture may become smoother or change in response to the additional firing.
- Overheating Risks: Overfiring during the refiring process can cause glaze imperfections, bubbling, or even running off the piece.
Considerations
Before refiring a glazed piece, consider:
- Purpose: Determine the specific reason for refiring and whether the desired outcome justifies the risks.
- Testing: Conduct tests on sample pieces to understand how the glaze will react to refiring.
- Overfiring Prevention: Monitor the kiln closely during refiring to prevent overheating and excessive changes.
Professional Guidance
If unsure about refiring, seek guidance from experienced ceramicists or instructors who can provide insights and recommendations based on their expertise.
Conclusion
Firing glaze twice can lead to intriguing results and corrections, but it requires careful planning, testing, and monitoring to achieve the desired outcome without compromising the integrity of the ceramic piece.