| Ceramic bisque of earthenware (low fire
clay) occurs at a temperature between 1987°
F and 2008°
F. At these temperatures sintering and vitrification of the clay body
occurs, producing ceramic bisque.
In the U.S. ceramic bisque earthenware is
quite popular for the budding ceramic decorating artist to use as their
blank canvas. Paint Your Own Pottery stores abound through out the U.S.
Bisque fired to a true cone 04 is required for low fire ceramic decorating
using color and glazes to avoid crazing and or cratering of the ware in
the finish state. A piece ceramic bisque fired to a cooler temperature
than 04 can result in many problems that can not always be corrected once
the glaze firing has been completed.
At about 1100°
F to 1200°
F the clay is at a minimal for ceramic bisque firing. In other words the
clay body cannot be altered back to formable substance.
This temperature of bisque firing can be used to create ware
stability for decorating, but should be re-fired to cone 04 bisque before
proceeding to the glaze firing. Clay
fired to bisque at this temperature can also be used for grog.
There are many importers and US distributors
that sell Ceramic Bisque. The
bisque can vary as to correct firing temperature and quality of the
surface. Some Ceramic bisque
is imported from Italy and China. These sources supply many Pottery
Painting stores with bisque ceramic items. Occasionally the bisque will be
stamped with the country of origin. This marking can be removed with a bit
of sanding with sandpaper before you begin decorating.
You will also find U.S. manufacturers of
ceramic bisque who produce excellent ware to begin the decorating process.
Often a U.S. manufacturer of bisque will have a broader selection of
shapes and designs.
For those who do not participate in the raw clay
process of shaping and forming, ceramic bisque allows one to enjoy the
decorating and firing portion of clay art. |
