Beginners guidance on temperatures

[C Pottery]

Hi,

Excuse my basic level question - I am new to the world of firing and glazing.

The clay I use is Earthstone which has recommended firing temp of 1180 - 1290 C.

As an example of a glaze I use is Botz with a rec temp 1020 - 1060 C.

Once I have bisque fired - I use a Nabatherm Toploader kiln, bisque fire is 950 C, is the temp I fire for glazing the temp recommend for the clay or for the glaze?

 Thanks in advance 

[Babs]

The glaze and clay.

The clay needs to vitrify if being used for liquids and domestic use.

The glaze has to "fit" te clay. The glaze you have, if fired to the temp which matures your clay,  would probably run off your pots and ruin your kiln shelves.

Lots of other considerations but that is th basics

[C Pottery]

Fantastic, Thank you, so it sounds like I need to match the temp for the clay with a new glaze that has a firing temp closer to the clay firing temp?

[Babs]

Yes, you have a wide firing range clay so I would be surprized if fully vitrified at lower temp of range. You may think of changing your clay into the future.

clay and glaze maturing at Cone 6 or 7 would be a more economic and popular firing range. Google Midfiring glazes.

Bisque firing is low at 950degC ,go for  Cone 06, 1000degC ,  becoming more popular, cone 04, 1040 deg C.

[C Pottery]

Great, thanks a million for your helpful replies!