The durability of clay will be reduced if it is not fired. Without a fire, clay solidifies into dry clay. The clay will get hard, but it won’t stop the elements. Your clay will always be flexible and soft if you don’t fire it. However, you can sometimes use clay without firing. Air dry and epoxy clay do not require a kiln and dry to a solid structure. Unfired clay is known as greenware. Usually, air-dry clays will eventually get harder on their own.
Kiln Firing and Process
With modern kilns, you can get up to 2400 degrees, but if you’re looking to work with clay that isn’t super high-fire, you don’t have to rely on a kiln. Most common clays start to melt around 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. What kind of paint can be fired in a kiln? For projects like painting a tile wall or a ceramic vase, use a liquid paint that you can apply by hand. Opt for epoxy paint to get a glossy finish.
Firing converts ceramic work from weak clay into a strong form. It also burns out carbonaceous materials. As the temperature in a kiln rises, many changes take place in the clay. Glaze is applied to the bisqueware, leave it to dry, then load it in the kiln for its final step, glaze firing.
The most significant feature or advantage of this clay is it can be dried without firing in a kiln. Thus, it is ideal for a whole host of projects for children, students, hobbyists, and professionals. Projects suited for this material include sculptures, decorative items, dolls, ornaments, figurines, buttons, jewelry, toys, and cards or scrapbook embellishments, and other creative projects.