The process of (1) heating the batch in order to fuse it into glass by exposing it to the required degree of heat in a crucible or pot, (2) reheating unfinished glassware while it is being worked, 93) reheating glassware in order to fuse enamel or gilding The melting of the batch may require a temperature of 1300-1500C, and the muffle kiln may require a temperature of 500-700C
The process of exposing ceramic pieces to high heat in order to convert them into durable finished pieces During firing, the clay and/or glaze goes through a transformation whereby it is fused together into a solid piece Unfired clay will dissolve in water, but the clay becomes impervious to water after firing Although some fired pieces may still absorb water, this will have not an adverse effect on them An experienced potter can achieve a wide variety of results by carefully controlling such firing factors as the rate at which pieces are heated and cooled, the presence of other materials in the kiln, and the amount of air (oxygen) that is present in the kiln Often, pieces are fired several times at various temperatures levels in order to achieve the potter's desired results Higher fired clays such as stoneware and porcelain tend to be less absorbent and more durable See also kiln, oxidation, reduction, salt glaze, raku