ABOUT CERAMICS
The quick guide to bisque ceramics. All my ceramics are made by hand using the slip casting process shown in the below video. Followed by a kiln firing to over 1000 degrees which converts the pieces into bisque ceramic.
At this stage the ceramics can be painted with either glazes or acrylics. With glazes a second firing in the kiln is required to set them and make them food safe for kitchenware items.
I use acrylic paints for all my ceramics, whether hand painted by myself or within my kits. This removes the need for a second kiln firing & makes the ceramics ready for display as soon as the paint dries. Scroll down for a more in-depth guide of my ceramics & painting process.
How Is Ceramic Bisque/Pottery Made?
Bisque ceramic or pottery refers to ceramics that have been kiln fired without a glaze. Clay is moulded by hand or poured as a slip (liquid clay) into a mould.
After drying naturally for 1-2 weeks the pieces achieve a leather hard stage. Here they undergo a hand finishing stage known as fettling. This removes surplus clay produced from the moulds and adds any extra design details.
They then enter the kiln for their first firing (a bisque or 'biscuit' firing) for over 24 hours at over 1000 degrees. after a gradual cooling this is then when the ceramics come out white & ready to paint.
If using glazes the ceramics return to the kiln for a further 24 hours for the glazes to be set. If using acrylic paint or other art mediums a second kiln firing is not required. Which is a bonus if you just can't wait to show your creation off!
This process of making bisque ceramic has been seen for hundreds of years in the UK pottery industry. Household names such as Wedgewood, Emma Bridgewater & Denby still using this process today.
