20 years old greenware; will it fire properly?

Question:

20 years ago I made a navity, except for three pieces. I recently decided it was time to complete it. Pieces are in excellent condition. Will it fire without problems?

Answer:

Well...yes and no. Let me answer that in two ways. The age of the greenware, especially if it is still in good condition, shouldn't affect the firing.

The main issue, though, is whether you remember at what cone (or temperature) the clay was designed to be fired? If you do, PERFECT! If not, I recommend starting by firing it to a very low temperature first.

If it is still porous (rapidly absorbs water) then try firing it higher. See the page of firing if you need tips. Good luck!


Comments for 20 years old greenware; will it fire properly?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 03, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Unique 20 year old thrown bisque NEW
by: Ashleith Collections

We are selling 3 extra large beautiful hand thrown bisque plates made by Rod Fetiozi a San Francisco Bay Area Potter to decorate 20 years ago. We are no longer in the ceramic business. We will notship. We live in the Santa Fe New Mexico area. Unglazed this bisque ware has been stored in my painting studio in a very dry climate. Once glazed it should fire with out problems?

Aug 22, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
20-year-old greenware NEW
by: Anonymous

I also have 20-year-old greenware on fired very interesting thank you for your answers I'm going to try to fire it and finish my projects

Apr 02, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
20 year old greenware NEW
by: Anonymous

this is great news as my Mother use to teach ceramics and we have a basement full of greenware not fired and want to sell it to a studio or someone. We also have many molds both large and small if anyone is interested please contact me at terri4@aol.com and let me know, we are in Cleveland, Ohio

Sep 23, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
20 year old greenware
by: Anonymous

Had to drive 40 miles to find someone to fire it. Came out great. The glaze was also 20 years old and fired OK. I now have a complete nativity set. Thank you very much.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask a Pottery Question.

Where to Next?

Learn How This Website Got Started

Watch Pottery Throwing Videos

Share Your Photos

Add YOUR 2 Cents

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.



Feeling Frustrated?

My bestselling Kindle e-book The Despicable Five solves the 5 most infuriating problems every beginning potter faces.