3.Bisque Firing: The Essential First Step in Ceramic Making

Transform Wet Clay into Strong, Workable Bisque Ware

🌐 What is Bisque Firing?

Bisque firing is the first firing of unglazed ceramic ware (greenware), turning fragile wet clay into bisque ware – a porous, semi-hard material ready for glazing, painting, or carve. This process dates to 6,000 BCE and is critical for preventing cracks during final glazing.

🔥 Why Bisque Firing Matters

Benefit Scientific Explanation
Strength Drives off 95% moisture, binds clay particles
Shape Stability Fixes form before glaze application
Safety Prevents steam explosions in final firing

🚀 5-Step Bisque Firing Process

"how to bisque fire pottery"

1. Dry Greenware Completely

  • Time: 2–7 days (depending on thickness)
  • Test: Ping test – dry clay sounds hollow when tapped

2. Load the Kiln

  • Spacing: 1–2 inches between pieces to allow heat circulation
  • Supports: Use kiln posts for tall items

3. Set Temperature Profile

 "bisque firing temperature chart"


  • 陶器 (Earthenware): 900–1000°C
  • 炻器 (Stoneware): 1000–1150°C
  • 瓷器 (Porcelain): 1200–1250°C
  • 升温速率: 150–200°C per hour (slow to prevent cracks)

4. Firing Stages

  1. 蒸发阶段 (25–200°C): Remove free moisture
  2. 氧化阶段 (200–900°C): Organic matter burns off
  3. 烧结阶段 (900–最高温): Clay particles fuse

5. Cool Slowly

  • 自然冷却: 12–24 hours (avoid rapid cooling → thermal shock)

🔧 Tools & Materials

Item Function
Kiln (电窑 / 燃气窑) Controlled firing environment
Kiln Shelves Support pieces during firing
Pyrometer Monitor temperature