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Firing Your Pottery

What to do once you’ve finished throwing at home.

What to do once you’ve finished throwing at home

​Working with a pottery wheel at home is only part of the process - firing your work is the final step that turns clay into finished ceramic.

 

While Pottery At Home doesn’t offer firing directly, there are excellent local options available, and firing your work externally is completely normal for home potters.

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This page explains how firing works, where to find kiln access, and what to expect.

How firing works (in simple terms)

Once your pots are thrown and fully dry, they need to be fired in a kiln.


Most work is fired twice:

 

  • Bisque firing – hardens the clay so it can be glazed

  • Glaze firing – melts the glaze and finishes the piece

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If you’re working at home, firing is usually done through a studio, community kiln, or independent potter, more often than owning a kiln yourself.

Finding kiln access with KilnShare

The easiest way to find local firing options is through KilnShare.

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KilnShare is an online directory that helps potters find kiln access near them. You can search by location to find:

  • pottery studios

  • community kilns

  • independent potters offering firing services

 

Firing is typically charged per piece or per kilo, and availability varies by provider.

 

👉 Visit KilnShare: https://www.kilnshare.com

 

Pottery At Home is not affiliated with KilnShare. We recommend it because it’s widely used and genuinely helpful for home potters.

Local firing options (pilot area)

Below are examples of pottery studios in our current pilot area that may offer kiln hire or firing services for external makers.

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Availability, pricing, clay requirements, and turnaround times vary, so we always recommend contacting studios directly.

Edinburgh

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Fife

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Glasgow

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(This list will evolve as the pilot progresses and availability changes.)

What to expect when using an external kiln

When firing work through a studio or kiln provider, you’ll usually need to:

  • allow work to dry completely before drop-off

  • use a clay body and glazes accepted by that kiln

  • label your work clearly

  • pay per firing or per kilo

  • allow time for firing and cooling

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Each kiln provider sets their own rules. This is normal and helps protect their equipment.

What we provide

All Pottery At Home hires include guidance to help you prepare work for firing, including:

  • general firing advice in your welcome pack

  • pointers on drying and transport

  • links to KilnShare and local kiln options

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We don’t manage bookings or handle fired work, but we’re always happy to help you understand your options.

A note of reassurance

Using external kiln services is how most home potters work, including many experienced makers.

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You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. Part of the joy of pottery is learning the process step by step.

 

If you’re ever unsure where to begin, just ask. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

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