Bisque & Slip-Casting

What is slip-casting?
Slip-casting is pouring liquid clay (“slip”) into a plaster mold. The plaster absorbs water, forming a clay wall inside. We pour out the extra slip, let it set, remove the mold, assemble the parts, clean the seams, then dry and fire it once to make “bisque.”

What’s the difference between greenware and bisque?
Greenware is unfired clay (very fragile). Bisque has been fired once, so it’s sturdy enough to handle and ready to decorate or glaze.

Why is there a faint seam line on my piece?
That’s the mold seam. We put a lot of care into removing seams and other imperfections before the bisque firing, but subtle traces of the creation process may still be visible. A quick sand with a fine sanding sponge (220–400 grit) softens it before painting or glazing.

Why are most pieces white?
We use white casting slips so colors pop. Some designs may use off-white or porcelain blends for specific looks.

How much do pieces shrink?
Clay shrinks as it dries and fires—typically ~6–12% overall. Dimensions listed are approximate.

Decorating & Firing Basics

Can I paint bisque without firing again?
Yep. Use acrylics for display pieces and seal with a brush-on varnish. Note: acrylic-finished pieces are not food-safe.

How do I make it food-safe?
Use a glaze rated food-safe by its manufacturer and fire to the correct cone. No glaze or acrylic sealant alone makes a piece food-safe.

What cone do you bisque-fire to?
Most pieces are earthenware bisque at cone 04. They’re usually glazed and refired at cone 06–05. Ask us about any cone 5–6 (mid-fire) options.

Underglaze vs. glaze—what’s the difference?
Underglaze = color that looks matte before a clear glaze. Glaze = glassy coating that melts in the kiln. Many folks do 2–3 coats of underglaze, then 1–2 coats of clear and fire.

How many coats should I use?
Typically 2–3 even coats for underglazes and glazes, allowing each coat to dry before the next.

Can I use markers, mod-podge, spray paint, or nail polish?
For display only. These materials are not kiln-safe and not food-safe.

Can I airbrush?
Absolutely. Use ceramic underglazes or stains for kiln work; use acrylics for non-fired display finishes.

Local Kiln Firing Service (Tucson)

Do you fire pieces not bought here?
Usually yes—if the clay and glaze match our firing temperatures and policies. Tell us the clay body and glaze brands/cones on your firing slip.

How dry must my piece be before bisque?
Bone-dry. Any moisture can cause cracking or explosions. If in doubt, wait an extra day or two.

What info do you need for a firing?
Customer name/contact, clay body, intended cone, glaze brand/colors (for glaze firings), and a signed acknowledgment of our firing policies.

Do you use kiln cookies or stilts?
Yes—when needed to protect shelves. Some pieces require cookies or stilting; fees may apply.

What about glaze on the bottoms?
Please wipe the bottom clean at least ¼" up from the foot. Glaze runs can fuse to shelves and cause damage fees.

What if my piece cracks, warps, or sticks?
All firings carry risk. We’re not responsible for typical kiln outcomes; customers are responsible for damage caused by their work. (Full policy on our Firing Policies page.)

How long does firing take?
Turnaround varies by load and season. We’ll quote an estimate at drop-off and message you when it’s ready.

How long do I have to pick up?
Please pick up within 2 weeks of notification. Unclaimed work may be donated or discarded per policy.

Ordering, Lead Times & Inventory

Are all items in stock?
Popular seasonal designs are kept on hand; many other items are poured-to-order. Casting and drying take time—lead times vary.

Do you take custom requests or modifications?
Simple tweaks (holes for lights, coin slots, etc.) may be possible before firing. Tell us at order time.

Do you offer licensed characters?
We only offer designs we’re licensed to sell or that are in the public domain. We don’t reproduce unlicensed current IP.

Do you sell greenware?
Generally no—greenware is too fragile to ship. We sell bisque and offer local firing.

Troubleshooting & Quality

Why did my glaze crawl, pinhole, or get rough?
Common causes: dust on bisque, too-thick application, insufficient drying between coats, or glaze/clay mismatch. Lightly sand rough spots, clean the piece, and re-glaze if appropriate.

Why did my piece crack or “blow up”?
Usually hidden moisture, air pockets, or trapped thick areas. Proper drying and venting help. We can advise before you drop off.

Why does my white glaze look patchy?
Whites show brush strokes—try a third coat, smoother brushes, or a different brand/formulation.

Care & Use

Are glazed pieces dishwasher/microwave safe?
Depends on the glaze, clay body, and firing cone. Hand-wash is always safest. Metallic lusters and decals are not microwave-safe.

Can outdoor pieces survive the weather?
Use exterior-rated glazes and avoid freeze–thaw stress. Bring pieces indoors during extreme temperatures.

Shipping, Packaging & Returns

How do you pack for shipping?
Plenty of padding with recyclable materials when possible. If something arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with photos.

What’s your return policy?
Custom poured-to-order items and fired services are final sale. Stock bisque returns may be accepted unused within 7 days; buyer pays return shipping.