Steps of Raku Firing
Raku is a type of pottery created with a specific firing process that utilizes smoke and fire to create colorful patterns and designs. In addition, a special type of clay is used to make raku pottery that is designed to withstand the intense firing. According to Watkins and Wandless in "Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques," raku pottery is sculpted, fired in a normal kiln, glazed and then subjected to the raku firing process. Raku firing is safe process, if you use the correct tools.
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Things You'll Need
- Raku kiln
- Metal barrel with lid
- Bale of straw
- Safety gloves
- Safety mask
- Pottery tongs
Instructions
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1
Place the raku pottery in a raku kiln and set it to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the raku to fire in the kiln for 1 hour.
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2
Fill a metal barrel halfway with straw while the pottery fires. Secure a tight-fitting metal lid on the barrel after you place the pottery inside.
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3
Turn off the kiln and allow the pottery to sit for 30 minutes.
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4
Put on your safety gloves and mask.
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5
Extract the raku pottery from the kiln and place it in the barrel of straw. The straw will ignite as it encounters the hot pottery. Quickly place the lid onto the barrel and allow it to sit for 1 hour. According to "Raku: A Practical Approach," placing the lid on the barrel after the straw has ignited burns away all the oxygen in the clay and glaze. Exposed clay darkens from smoke exposure, while the glaze crackles and manifests unusual colors.
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6
Allowing the raku pottery to cool and remove from the kiln.
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Tips & Warnings
According to Irene Poulton in "Fired Up With Raku," always perform raku firing in a safe, controlled environment. Keep an assistant and a fire extinguisher present when you fire raku.
References
- Photo Credit pottery image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
