How Ceramics are Made at REL Home
STAGE 1: HAND THROWING
Each piece is hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel using White or Brown clay. In it’s green-ware stage, the piece is then left wrapped to begin a slow dry until leather hard.
Process Time: 1-2 Weeks
STAGE 2: TRIMMING & FINISHING
Once leather-hard, the bottom is then trimmed to add a foot and level the piece.
Finishing embellishments (such as decor or handles) are added and then it’s left for a final dry before Bisque Fire.
Sometimes glazing is done at this stage to be bisque fired.
Process Time: 1-2 Days
STAGE 3: BISQUE FIRE
Each piece is placed in a Kiln for it’s Bisque Fire and fired at Cone 6 (which is approximately 2232°F (1220°C)!)
Bisque Firing hardens the clay into ceramic and creates porosity, ensuring glaze and underglazes bonds well to the surface.
Process Time: 1 Week
STAGE 4: GLAZING
Each piece is then hand painted with lead free underglaze and then dipped in a clear coat to seal the clay for food safety.
Process Time: 1-2 Days
STAGE 5: GLAZE FIRE
The piece is then fired again at Cone 6, bonding the underglaze and glaze to the ceramic; and in turn strengthening the piece.
Process Time: 1 Week