What is Salt Firing?

Like many of the ceramic processes in use today, salt firing has ancient origins. From the 12th to the middle 19th centuries, salt glazing was common in Europe and Colonial America.

The ware inside a purpose built kiln is heated to body maturing temperature. At the height of the firing (1300 Deg. C, 2372 Deg. F) sodium chloride (common table salt) is introduced into the kiln through special ports.

The salt immediately vaporizes and the sodium combines with silica from the clay body to form a transparent, orange peel textured coating of sodium silicate (glass) on the surface of the clay.

Coloured strips, which were earlier applied to the wet clay, are further enhanced by the clear glaze coating the salt provides.

The path of the flame that carries the salt vapor is often evident in wonderful variations in colour and texture.

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