Prepping and Firing a Glaze Kiln to Cone 6- Part 2 of 2; Quarantine Distraction Video Day 43

Coronavirus Quarantine: Video 43
I will be trying to post simple daily videos for inspiration for my students, and my subscribers to help give us some learning and distraction during this national emergency. Here is a link to the playlist I am adding to: • Online Learning During...
This is part 2 of a 2 part video- and I show I prep the kiln, and kiln shelves as well as load the pieces, and use cone packs prior to firing. I show some of the glaze results of the pieces I glazed in the first part. Remember that anytime you are firing greenware- whether that be unfired patties, conepacks, or once fired glazed pieces- greenware must be absolutely DRY to prevent steam from exploding it!
Check out the first installment of this two part video which covered a bit of an overview (super brief) of prepping cone 04 bisqueware, glazing ware by pouring, dipping, and brushing before a cone 6 glaze firing. Link to that video here: • Some Quick Glazing Bef...
Check out this link to a live searchable Google Doc I continually update with lots of my favorite tools on Amazon using my associate links! (also some non-amazon suggestions on here!)
docs.google.com/document/d/1X...
I use a combination of these two kiln washes for my shelves:
Primo Primer Kiln Wash- I only use this now. Expensive, but I love it- doesn’t flake 1 1/2#
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
and this one:
Fireworks Kiln Wash ( I mix this with the primo above)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
You can also check out my Amazon Influencer Store Here: www.amazon.com/shop/karanspot...
I am a public high school ceramics teacher at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio. (Mason is currently the largest high school in Ohio!) As a potter, I have been working in clay for over 30 years, and I have been teaching for over 28 years, the past 20 have been specifically teaching high school ceramics. I love what I do! I have my own studio in my home basement, where I work on my personal pottery for my Etsy site; www.etsy.com/shop/KaransPotsA...
I started my KZbin channel a few years ago, to make videos to help my students if they are absent and miss a demo, or if they would like to explore more advanced techniques independently. I have been amazed to reach such a wider audience than my own students!
Please subscribe to my channel if you would like to receive channel updates, or would like to learn more about clay and studio processes!

[@gregorymelchor-barz8643]

Karan, I just wanted you to to know that your tutorials got me to the point of have successful kiln unloads. I’ve been a long time fan. Thank you for being such a caring teacher for many of us!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Awww- that’s wonderful!!! I’m so glad they’ve been helpful to you!! :)

[@scarlettfionareed]

Thank you for this, and for all of your videos! I follow quite a few potters but you are a born teacher. Your attention to all of the details, the way you speak and explain is by far the easiest for me to understand, especially as I am delving deeper into ceramics. You rock and your students are so lucky to have you! Keep safe.

[@kasprrrdelaney6091]

Just saying thanks for the videos. Education is priceless - you do a phenomenal job and I appreciate it.

[@erikadonaghy9946]

I'm a new potter and your videos have been so helpful, especially this one! Thanks!

[@Ph.Tran88]

So happy I found your videos!! They are so informative and you get straight to the point w.o tangents!!! I appreciate you. Thank you

[@micheledickey4066]

I have watched this video before I fire my kiln every single time! You are such an inspiring teacher and your videos are soooo helpful!!! Thank you soo much!!!

[@jekaterinastena]

Absolutely love the way you explain! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!

[@____Ann____]

Love the 3colored spoon rest. Good tips about the kiln wash and the cone pack.

[@nimabevis4509]

Thanks again, Karan! LOVE your videos, and find they're especially helpful when you talk about your kiln processes. I'm gaining confidence every time!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Oh, that’s wonderful!!!! Yay!!!

[@halraines9]

Thanks for being an amazing teacher. I've been a potter for almost 8 years. Everyday, there is something else to learn. You have added to my skill set. Patties seem very sensible to me. That is my big aha today. I'm grateful to have found you.

[@eheper]

Thank you for the detailed instructions! :) Especially about the cones.

[@ich2990]

Dear Karan, I really love and enjoy to listen and watch to your Corona quarantine videos - what a great idea! This is definitely one of the positive effects of that horrible virus. Thank you for all that stuff, helpful tips and positive vibrations/ inspiration!

[@Worrier629]

Wonderful videos on bisque and glaze firing! You’re a great teacher!

[@aprillemaster5869]

I absolutely love your videos ..... so much information ....you aren’t to “windy “...I learn something new each time I watch ! Thank you so much for all you do...for us and your students !

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Awww!!! Thanks so much, April!!!

[@kenschelberg5577]

Koran, Excellent informative video. First glaze firing coming up this weekend. Thx for the info and the inspiration. Ken

[@meredithj1360]

Amazingly detailled video and so concise! Helped me with a lot of small bits of info. Thnk you!!!

[@suedaines101]

Thank you so much. I find your videos very helpful and have learnt such a lot from you.

[@loralora7597]

Thank you much for so detailed review!

[@loretawilson]

I am a newbie (taking my first hand building class) and your videos are so informative and a great addition to my in-person class. Thank you!

[@fabiolaladino5705]

Thanks for always sharing really appreciate always have great tips.

[@dsheridan4497]

Thanks! That was exactly what I needed to see

[@gingerfelde7063]

Hi Karan. Your videos are so inspiring and informative. I've learned so much from you and am really grateful for all the time you've taken to make each lesson so clear and interesting. I have a small studio in my basement and I have had a few lessons from various instructors, but I have to say, you are really the best! I'm sure that being a high school teacher has given you great insight and honed your own skills, so you know more important tricks to pass along to us. Thanks again for all these excellent video lessons. They have kept me going and focused on pottery rather than the issues going on around the world these days. I know I'm not alone in saying, you are a wonderful teacher and most appreciated. I hope you are able to keep making these videos during the summer. It has been so much fun to learn from you and apply all that you've taught. Many blessings to you.

[@julipolito7761]

Uhhh, so informative, Karan. Thank you so much. I’m gonna miss you while your busy with your life. But I’ll be looking forward to your next post. 👍😁 🔥🔥🍵

[@cindyvanartsdalen5162]

Thank you this was very informative I will be doing my first firing soon! You have given me confidence! :)

[@SotheBee123]

Me and a friend have been going to a local pottery place now to do glazing and other art projects during all of this....THIS...because we can take home kits for them. Got us talking about how everything works and now...here I am! haha

[@jeanboyd705]

Thanks for the video

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

Love your videos 😊

[@creativeliving3455]

Thank you so much, super informative & helpful!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@betsypoti2306]

Great info!

[@SetGozo]

Again thank you.

[@denisenoble4010]

Love the colour on the citrus juicer and tablespoon rests thanks for sharing.

[@denisenoble4010]

That should say spoon rest, no table needed

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Thanks for sharing!

[@annalosiak2625]

awesome video! I have learned a lot! Thank you! :)

[@salkl2055]

Very helpful thank you 😊

[@malissabadal-yang523]

Thank you for this video, I just got my kiln and felt overwhelmed about the glaze firing

[@mevans7951]

Really great video - you are obviously a super teacher- I envy your kids! Now off to set up my brand new kiln to do it’s first glaze fire. I used your guide to set of the bisque fire that seemed to go ok.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

That’s awesome!!! Good luck!!! :)

[@AS-xi6lp]

The citrus juicer looks beautiful

[@eddiespottery8439]

YES, Karan I agree, But I like to get it closer to 100 or below so you don't hear the pinging of the pieces. When you hear the pinging and chiming of the pottery you could be getting cracks or even pops. So I try to be patient and wait now, from what I see it seams to be working. eddiespottery.

[@stilltlrforlife]

Unfortunately I do not have a kiln, and using my foundry to fire my pieces is too small and wayyyyyy too hot, it actually would melt the ceramic leaving it in long enough to cure.. and there is no way to slowly ramp up the temperature. Unless I add graphite and other bad stuff but then it's a crucible and toxic. So I go completely primitive like my clay and pit fire my pieces..I know I comment quite a bit but your videos have given me alot of inspiration lately, so with that said, thank you!! Its great to be back at making primitive pottery again given my native American heritage. As an artist by hobby I'm always looking to create and keep my mind busy. I have a lot of stuff to fire when the weather breaks, like enough to take to an art show..lol Keep up the great work Karan!! I didn't realize you are in Ohio as well but I'm in Defiance. Take care!!

[@nathanferron1613]

Love your videos and your work is amazing!!! Keep it up! maybe try some shorter more piece specific videos if you felt up to it. I feel it would really help your channel spread and this is knowledge worth sharing!!

[@MomoxDLicious22]

Hi karan! I love ur videos, theyre so informative and i want to thank you for taking the time to continue teaching especially during quarantine❤. I just graduated from college and we were asked to leave all our current projects in class and pick them up later towards the end of the year. I wanted to ask how would you approach a pretty dry piece(not bone dry) and get it back to a workable stage? I wraped all of my projects succesfully but im sure i lost some moisire throughout the past few months of just sitting there? Mabey you can make a video about this ^-^ and also how to turn your garage into a safe studio for pottery:) keep up the good work!

[@sarahgoldstein6205]

Great video, thanks. What are the two kiln washes you mix and use? I also hope to use my new kiln for both ceramics and glass.

[@julipolito7761]

We miss you

[@hussicots]

Great info!! Thank you :) I’m running my first glaze kiln this weekend and this video was very timely and informative. For the cookie slabs under the pots, do they have to be bisqued first? Or can they be bone dry greenware?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Either! With kids we fire them raw- but they are thin like a tortilla- and totally dry!

[@andigorman6090]

Thanks for the wonderful videos. How long should I let glaze dry before firing? I live in CO and a dry climate? A few hours?

[@suzieduchesneau8271]

Very interesting video as I am preparing to fire my new kiln for the first time!!! Question here?? How do you staked your fully glazed plates? and or can we cook plates 2 times?? One with the top glaze plate and the second, upside down with a clear glass on the bottom... to make sure the pieces are totally sealed-waterproof (for dinnerware)

[@margitniethammer8512]

Hello Karan, thanks for the videos. They are very helpful. Could you write me down the tool for cleaning the kiln shelves. Is it also in the link of your tools? I’m from Germany. Have a nice day

[@lisastaley9984]

Hi! Thank you so much for all of the great information. I am getting ready to order my first kiln and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving me your opinion on a few questions I have? i’m looking at buying an Olympic Kiln, That brand seems to be a bit less expensive. Are you familiar with that brand and do you like it? If I plan on firing my kiln outside do I need to have a vent system? The venting system that they are trying to sell me is $550. If it is outside do I really need one? If so, could I make some sort of a venting system myself?

[@TDaily-vl7kw]

Nice video. I am new to pottery and in the process of getting a kiln. Did you say yours in this video was a 1018? Forgive me, but it looks bigger then the dimensions on the spec sheet. I also tried to make the inside dimensions on my kitchen table to get a visual of the chamber capacity and this looks bigger. I guess my question is, is that a good size for a beginner? Seems to hold a lot of pieces for about a 20 inch wide by max 15 inches high (taking into account the shelves, posts and space for fingers to shelves in) unless I misunderstood the spec sheet 😊 I can get a used 1218 but thinking now that’s too big. Thank you! Hope to hear from you, could use your advice.

[@iccordero2125]

What is the purple thing that You use to cover the bases or the support of your kiln? Sorry My native language is spanish, I love your work!

[@nivedhaelango9815]

Hello I've been watching your videos one by one. It has been wonderful and has given me confidence to start the journey of firing. I had a doubt, do you always use kiln wash before every glaze firing ?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I usually only apply kiln wash when the wash is looking thin or flaking off! So, honestly, probably every 4- 6 glaze firings. Bisque doesn't really negatively affect it!

[@silkandclayartvideostutori9923]

Karan, Why did you switch to an overhead vent? Thank you

[@denadesigns]

Your videos are really informative, thank you! I’m actually about to test fire my new kiln this weekend, yay! I wanted to ask - Once the kiln reaches the proper temperature and is done, is it ok to turn off/unplug/walk away?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Yes! :) make sure that nothing can touch it still while hot!

[@denadesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@sherylgroner2787]

How often do you scrub shelves and re-apply kiln wash? As needed? Every firing?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Just when needed if it looks thin or begins flaking!

[@butchrambish7835]

Karan, after 15 years I'm getting back into pottery and have my wheels and kiln operational and have been throwing. It's coming back slowly but your videos have helped. I had all my glazes from 15 years ago in buckets and they have mixed up but the results have been so unpredictable I think I'm going to ditch them and start with new fresh glazes. I liked the results you had with your glazes so I'm starting there and may mix some of my old recipes later. On one of your videos you mentioned your glazing program for your kiln that you slowed the cooling process. I have a RampMaster II kiln. Would you be willing to share the details of your program for your glaze fire?

[@butchrambish7835]

I guess I should have watched this video before asking my question. I see how you do your program. I think I can do the same with my kiln. I will try that as opposed to making a custom program. It seems much easier.

[@rjay9663]

I'm curious about your kiln patties. Does it matter if they are green or bisque when glazing?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I often fire them as green- just thoroughly dry. (At school!). If I’m using them at my home, I may try to get more firings out of them, and I make them a little thicker, and kiln wash them after bisque!

[@judydell6224]

Question: didn’t you set the kiln to cone 5? Yet the cone 6 was your target cone? Love your videos. I am an old lady new potter, and appreciate tour videos. Wish I had you and this hobby when I was younger.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Yes- as per the firing instructions for that glaze- cone 5 w/ a 25 min hold! That is a nice bent cone 6!

[@bettybrown8905]

Do you bisque fire the patties before use?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Sometimes I do if I want to make thick ones and kiln wash. For students at school- I don’t. They just make them thin like a tortilla and I dry them out!

[@manishanimator]

Hey, I am very new in pottery. Thank you for this informative video. May I ask what you will do with patty after firing is done, do you destroy it or use it for next firing? Also could you please elaborate what is hold timing during the glaze used for? 😅thanks in advance

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I reuse the patties until they are no longer useable! I just periodically add kiln wash. Once glaze gets on them or they break, I will then dispose. The HOLD at the top temp allows the temp to even out and reach the desired cone. I often use a hold- drop soak program when I glaze fire now- it helps to eliminate pinhole airbubbles on a few of my challenging glazes. Here is that program: Cone 6; Ramphold Drop soak program, medium speed. Skutt programming Rate 200 Temp 180 Hold (whatever needed) Rate 200 Temp 250 Hold 0 
Segment three continue Rate 400 Temp 1000 Hold 0 Segment four continue Rate 180 (This is slow for quarts inversion) Temo 1150 Hold 0 Segment 5 continued Rate 300 Temo 1917 Hold 0 Segment 6 Rate 120 Temp 2167 Hold 20 minutes Segment 7 Rate 400 Temp 2067 Hold 20 min digitalfire.com/glossary/drop-and-soak+firing

[@manishanimator]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass thank you so much, do you have any video regarding these segments for more clarification, I am self taught ceramic artist who doesn’t know these terms and thank you so much for that link it gives me a bit of clarification but I am not sure about these segments 😅 sorry I might sound lame. I am from India and I have received stoneware clay with 2160 temp (provider told me that it’s a high fire range clay). I am really confused which glaze should I go for it and how to fire it 😅😅 P.S. I am planning to buy electric kiln from local manufacturer and meanwhile I am fingering out the process of glazing. It would be really appreciable if you can help me with glazing section. Thanks in advance

[@arenasartgalleryl]

What cone number is in front of cone 5? Should the cone 7 have a slight bend before turning off kiln at target cone 6 maturing?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I only use three cones- 5- the first one (that’s the lowest-coolest) bends first. Cone 6 should be bent to the correct position as that’s the target, and 7 is beginning to bend!

[@arenasartgalleryl]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass So cone 5 is the approach cone, cone 6 should be the target cone and cone 7 is the guard cone?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

That is correct!

[@AAA-mx7pb]

Can I add some greenware together with glaze firing?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

You wouldn't do that if you are doing a hotter glaze fire than a bisque. You could do that if perhaps, you are firing only lowfire cone 04 or 05 providing you fire it like a bisque and make sure it is all dry to prevent explosions. If you did that with a higher temp glaze firing, that would be bad for your bisque, as you would be vitrifying your clay if you took it to say, cone 5/6 if using midfire. If you then try to glaze bisque which is vitrified, it won't accept the glaze well, as it won't absorb.

[@jennycaldwell1]

Why did you fire to ∆ 5 with a hold instead of firing to ∆ 6 with no hold?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

That is as per the instructions of my Coyote Glazes. I assume it has something to do with helping the glazes to more fully mature with the hold. Since I typically do a medium or slow glaze firing, I hold for 25 as opposed to below when they hold for 30. :) This is from the coyote website: "Coyote glazes are designed to be fired between witness cone 5 and witness cone 6. /and/ Cone readings are a combination of time and temperature, and do not correspond directly to any specific temp in degrees. Most digitally controlled kilns have a pre-programmed cone fire setting that will allow you to reach the proper temperature with minimal fussing (we use a cone 5, fast, with 30 minute hold.) For manual (sitter) kilns we recommend using a 6 cone."

[@jennycaldwell1]

KaransPotsAndGlass makes sense! I don’t usually use Coyote glazes, so I haven’t seen that direction. Thanks!

[@dianamccutcheon5129]

If I have glazes that are old and dry (like tempera almost), can they still be used if mixed well with water? I don't think that they have been used for about four years, but there are quite a few of them, and I hate to waste.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Often glazes can be brought back- but you may have to watch the ratio of water- as it can change the specific gravity of the glaze, resulting in hard-panning or settling out. Distilled water may be helpful along with a gum solution. You can always contact specific manufacturers of the glaze for their specific recommendations! :)

[@dianamccutcheon5129]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass thank you for the suggestions.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Good luck!!!

[@dianamccutcheon5129]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass thanks! I enjoy your videos!

[@clivetaylor6277]

Hi I’m English but live in Spain and learnt ceramics here. It’s a matter of country slang I guess but what’s ‘grog’?

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Grog is fired clay that is ground into a powder. It basically looks like sand, but is different- not silica!

[@ihstraining848]

Can you tell me what Kiln wash you are using? You said you use a mixture of two. What are they (Brand and name)? Thank you. Great videos!!

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

I have it in the video description- but here you are! I use a combination of these two kiln washes for my shelves: Primo Primer Kiln Wash- I only use this now. Expensive, but I love it- doesn’t flake 1 1/2# www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00... and this one: Fireworks Kiln Wash ( I mix this with the primo above) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Those links may not work anymore... but might on my googledoc of links within the video description!

[@Lyddiebits]

That is a pumice stone you're using, not sure what strength it is.

[@KaransPotsAndGlass]

Ah- I just know I buy it in the building/roofing area of my local Home Depot!

[@Lyddiebits]

@@KaransPotsAndGlass perfect!! Your videos are great!! My husband and I have been potting for 2 years now, so much to learn. I'm grateful for your fantastic instruction. Thanks so much!