1. Pottery Terms.
Words you need to know…

2. Kiln-
An oven used for baking ceramics or pottery. Temperature ranges from 1740 degrees to 2786 degrees Fahrenheit.
Glaze-
A liquid coating put on a piece of ceramic that produces a glassy surface when fired.
Underglaze-
A liquid coating applied to pottery that produces a “matte” surface.
Wedging-
The process of slamming clay to remove air bubbles and excess moisture.
Ware-
name for a ceramic piece.

3. Slip-
Clay and water mixed together, to create a clay glue.
Coil method-
Rope like strands of clay rolled out then built up in layers.
Slab method-
Clay rolled out into flat plates then shapes can be cut out of them.
Bisque-
Ware that has been fired but not glazed. The bisque firing is the first firing.
Clay-
Decomposed granite type rocks; Substance that becomes glasslike and durable once fired.

4. Cones-
measure the heat of the clay body and glaze during the firing of the kiln.
Dry foot-
The bottom of a piece that has been cleaned of all glaze before firing.
Earthenware-
A low fire clay that is usually red or brown.
Fire-
To heat in a kiln.
Foot-
the base of a ceramic piece.
Kneading-
working clay with the palms of your hands to work out air bubbles and establish consistency.

5. Leather hard-
Clay that is firm enough to be handled but soft enough to be carved. A good state for building slab structures.
Plasticity-
Quality of clay that allows it to be manipulated but still maintain its shape.
Terra-cotta-
A brownish-orange earthenware clay.
Ceramics-
objects made from clay.
Shrinkage-
10% while drying, 10% when fired.
Clear coat-
A coating that is applied to a piece of bisque ware that has been underglazed. Goes on pink but fired clear.

6. Scoring-
cuts made in a piece of clay to help one piece of clay adhere to another. (eg. Muddy boot)
Bone dry-
completely dry clay, ready to be fired. This is also called greenware. Takes about 5 days.
Air bubbles-
Pockets of air trapped in a piece of work that can cause explosion.
Relief-
images that project from a background.
Canvas mat-
Surface on which to wedge clay.