Kiln Basics

Kiln Basics: Loading, Firing, and Shelf Care: A 2-Hour Studio Skills Workshop

This hands-on workshop is designed to help All Hands Pottery Studio members better understand how our kilns work and how to load them properly and responsibly.

We’ll cover the fundamentals of electric kilns, including how heat moves through the kiln, why proper loading matters, and how firing decisions affect finished work. Participants will learn practical loading techniques to help ensure even firings while protecting both their work and studio equipment.

We will also focus on kiln shelf care, including how to apply kiln wash, clean shelves, and prevent glaze drips from damaging kiln furniture. Understanding these skills helps keep the studio running smoothly and protects shared equipment for everyone.

This workshop is ideal for members who want to build confidence with the firing process and better understand what happens between greenware and finished pottery.

Topics include:
• How the studio kilns work
• How heat moves through a kiln
• How to load work safely and efficiently
• Proper spacing and stacking
• Protecting your work during firing
• Kiln shelf care and kiln wash basics
• Cleaning and maintaining shelves
• Common loading mistakes and how to avoid them

No prior kiln experience required. Recommended for both new and experienced members.