Porcelain
Firing process with porcelain is comparable to any mid-range or high-fire stoneware body. Porcelain is defined by type of clay in its composition, which can be highly variable. The clay mineral kaolinite is often a significant component. Other materials can include feldspar, ball clay, glass, bone ash, and quartz. Many porcelain bodies are being developed to fully vitrify at mid range and even low-fire temperatures. This allows for broader glaze effects and firing styles.
Challenges
Porcelain can be beautiful but also hard to work with. Many artists take advantage of its plasticity by making their work so thin it is translucent. When any clay is this thin and taken to its vitrification temperature it is subject to warping, especially heavy glaze on it. Like any clay and glaze combination, the artist should test everything before creating full-scale work.
Market
The market for porcelain is as broad as any art market. From ancient Chinese and Japanese works to modern ceramic artwork, the market for this style of ceramics is ever-growing.
Kilns
L&L has a product line for any firing range. Those who are trying to achieve high-fire or crystalline glaze affects should look at our JH series cone 12 electric kilns with the quad element design. Those who are in production at mid-range to high fire temperatures may want to consider the eQuad-Pro production kilns with the quad element design. Those working at cone 6 and below can look at any other kiln series we make and will want to consider the scale and scope of their work to make the proper kiln decision.
