porcelain that fires at less than cone 8?

**Claudia** · 03-07-2006, 03:15 PM

I just ordered my first kiln, and it is electric, it only fires to cone 8. I am wondering if there are any porcelain clays that can fire at a lower temp and still retain their porcelain-ness?

**sushildamle** · 03-21-2006, 08:05 AM

Could you be kind enough to let me know, at what temperature (in degree centigrade), you propose to fire your ware. Secondly, what is going to be your product, enable me to suggest (if possible) a probable composition and firing range (temperature).
with warm regards
sushildamle@yahoo.com

**plodder** · 03-23-2006, 12:29 PM

Hi Claudia,
I would make the same request for more information that Sushildamle makes.

If you are firing to Orton cone 8 you will still achieve some good qualities with porcelain, cone 10 would be nicer but you will discover something of the properties of the matrial at cone 8. Porcelain clays are formulated for a number of different purposes and your supplier may be able to suggest a porcelain clay body that fires well at cone 8 (they want you to buy the clay, so ask lots of questions and I'm sure they will be only too pleased to answer them).

Andy

**Claudia** · 05-03-2006, 05:21 PM

Thanks, Andy and Sushil. I am just getting started, but I do have some leftover porcelain clay from several years ago that I thought I would use up. I make sculptures, so high firing is not really necessary for most of my work. However, I was considering bisque firing a couple of porcelain pieces, and then maybe try an outdoor wood fire to see what effects I get from that. I am told that an electric kiln such as mine doesn't lend itself well to porcelain, and that it is better if I just do low fire in the electric kiln.

So, to change the initial question a bit, would you recommend experimenting with an outdoor wood fire on this leftover porcelain?

**plodder** · 05-05-2006, 11:53 AM

Hi again Claudia,
I've had some good results when smoke firing porcelain as it takes on carbon and colour flashes quite well (being a white firing body) and it's also less susceptible to thermal shock than some clays; I must admit though it's quite some time since I've had the opportunity to do any smoke firing as I live in the city. Keep the bisque firing temperature low as this will help absorption of carbon and flashes from oxides etc. (800 to 900 degrees centigrade); if the work is burnished the lower firing temperatures will help to keep that sheen too.
Andy