Ceramic Reduction Fire Definition

It is the lack of oxygen in the last part of the process that is critical for the desired effects.

Ceramic reduction fire definition.

In traditional ceramics reduction firing requires a specially designed fuel fired kiln that restricts the flow of incoming air so there is enough to burn the fuel and no more in some cases it is restricted so that is actually less than enough to introduce carbon into the atmosphere. Ceramic work is typically fired twice. The goal of bisque firing is to convert greenware to a durable semi vitrified porous stage where it can be safely handled during the glazing and decorating process. Usually this consists of a metal garbage can with combustible materials inside such as newspapers saw dust leaves or pine needles.

Moving quickly the hot pieces are put into a reduction environment. A reduction environment is an enclosed space with a reduced amount of oxygen. Reduction firing is the exact opposite of oxidation firing. The piece is inserted into the garbage can and the lid put on.

Reduction causes most ceramic materials such as your glazes to melt faster. This may not sound like things that will affect your pottery but it can. Reduction firing is typically done in a gas or other fuel burning kiln since the corrosive effects wear out the elements on an electric kiln. It is bisque fired and then glaze fired.

The reduction firing process almost as a standard the process of reduction is described with some degree of equivocation no matter where you go or in which ceramic setting you work. Fuel burning kilns give the artist control of how much or how little oxygen enters the firing chamber and when. In reduction firing oxygen is prevented from interacting with the glazes during glaze maturation. The oxidation process for example can alter the color of the glazes or paint you ve chosen to use.

An oxidation atmosphere has plenty of oxygen for the fuel to burn. Firing converts ceramic work from weak clay into a strong durable crystalline glasslike form. Most pottery professionals don t like to describe it especially to a persnickety chemist.