Wood firing is a fascinating and ancient technique for creating ceramic pieces, and it has become increasingly popular due to its dramatic effect on glazes and the workability of clay. But for those just starting out, there is a lot to know about the different types of clay and the processes of firing. To help you out, here’s all the information you need to choose the best clay for wood firing.
Types of Clay for Wood Firing
There are two broad types of clay used for wood firing: glaze-firing clays and reduction-firing clays. Glaze-firing clays create the best results in a well-ventilated wood kiln, as the glazes get reduced in the flame. However, these glaze-firing clays are not as versatile and are more prone to defects than other types of clay. On the other hand, reduction-firing clays are great for creating bold effects with the flame. These types of clay work better in an oxygen-depleted environment, giving you more control over the outcome.
Benefits of Using Clay for Wood Firing
Wood fired clay is known to create unique and extraordinary results. The oxygen-deprived environment of a wood kiln enhances the chemical reactions that take place while kiln is fired. This results in increased depth of color, richer hues, and crisper edges. Also, since wood is a renewable resource, wood fired pieces are more environmentally friendly than those fired with electric or gas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Clay for Wood Firing
When selecting clay for wood firing, it’s important to consider several factors such as temperature ranges and chemical makeups. If you’re looking for something that handles extreme temperatures with ease, higher fired stoneware clays are great for use in wood kilns. But if you’re looking for something with a more organic feel, earthenware clays may be ideal, as these clays fire at low temperatures and produce beautiful finishes.
Tips for Working with Clay for Wood Firing
When starting out with wood firing, it’s important to prepare your clay properly. If you’re using wet clay, make sure to wedge it thoroughly before starting work so that all air bubbles are released. Additionally, be sure to dry your pieces slowly before loading them into the kiln to avoid cracking. Lastly, always work carefully and use the right tools when shaping your pieces – be sure to use a wire cutter or knife if necessary, to remove large chunks of clay.
Safety Considerations for Using Clay for Wood Firing
Working with a wood kiln requires certain safety precautions. Keep in mind that these kilns are large and produce a lot of heat as they fire. Always have a fire retardant material nearby in case of an emergency. Additionally, be sure to wear protective eyewear, work gloves, and clothes when working with hot pieces of clay. Finally, never leave a kiln unattended while it is in use as this could lead to accidents and injury.
Tools and Materials Needed for Working with Clay for Wood Firing
To get started with wood firing, you will need a few essential materials and tools. These include clay, wooden blocks, stainless steel wires, and pliers. You will also need refractory mortar and bricks for fireproofing your kiln. Finally, you will need a thermometer for measuring the temperature of your kiln, as well as scraper and hammer forcleaning remains from the base of your completed pieces.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing and Firing Clay in a Wood Kiln
The first step is selecting your clay, as discussed in the previous section. Next, you will want to wedge your clay – a very important step in ensuring success when working with clay. After that, you should shape the clay according to your desired design, and then dry it slowly to avoid cracking. When your pieces are completely dry, you can start loading them into your kiln. Once everything is loaded in its proper place, you will need to build a fire in an enclosed chamber next to the main chamber of the kiln. The temperature within your kiln should reach up to 1300°F (704°C) if doing glazing, or around 2300°F (1260°C) if doing reduction firing. Monitor the temperature throughout the firing process, and when desired temperatures are reached you can remove your pieces from the kiln.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Clay for Wood Firing
When working with clay for wood firing, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes in order get successful results. Be sure not to use too much water or oil when kneading and shaping your pieces – this could lead to warping or cracking during the firing process. It’s also important not to put too many pieces in a single kiln load – this can cause thermal shock and cause pieces to break. Lastly, be sure to ventilate your wood kiln properly – this is essential in order to avoid having smokey residues on your pieces when they come out.
Conclusion
Wood firing is an amazing technique that produces unique results when done correctly. Knowing what type of clay to use and how best to use it is essential in getting great results. With this guide, we hope that you feel more confident about wood firing!
