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Ceramics materials and tools - AQAFiring process

Learn about ceramics as a medium for creating sculptures and functional objects. Find out about the different types of clay and their uses and the tools, materials and processes used to make objects out of clay.

Part of Art and DesignSculpture

Firing process

The firing process turns raw clay into ceramic through high-temperature heating. This usually happens in a .

Clay often goes through two types of firing - bisque firing and glaze firing.

Bisque

A photograph of a rough, unglazed, light orange ceramic dinner ware set
Bisque-fired objects are called bisqueware or 鈥榖iscuitware鈥. It is given this name because it is dry, brittle and porous like a biscuit

Bisque is the first stage of the firing process. This has to be done slowly because when clay is changing into ceramic it can crack and break.

Bisqueware is porous and isn鈥檛 functional, unless it is glazed. It can be painted, polished and varnished or left as a decorative item.

If the bisque is glazed, it will then need a second firing - the glaze firing.

Glaze

A hand painting green floral designs on a ceramic plate
Underglaze paints can be applied onto bisqueware and used like watercolour paints

Glaze is like liquid glass - special materials are mixed with colour pigments. It can be sprayed, sponged or brushed onto the bisqueware, or the pots can be dipped into the glaze. It is used for decoration and waterproofing.

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  1. Glossy blue ceramic pots of different shapes

    Some glazes can produce a colourful, flat, smooth-looking surface

Oxides聽are a popular choice as they are effective and easy to use. They come in various colours in powder form. When mixed with water they can be brushed onto bisque-fired pieces.

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