Kiln Firing Schedule & Pottery Instructions
Kiln Firings
DO NOT GLAZE THE BOTTOM OF ANY OF YOUR PIECES.
Use a layer of wax resist anywhere your piece touches a surface while sitting.
Pieces without wax resist will not be fired in the kiln.
View Basic Glazing Instructions
*Firing dates are subject to change*
The firing schedule will be determined by the number of pieces waiting, and the type of firing needed (bisque vs. glaze). We will only fire the kiln once there are enough pieces for a full firing.
Pieces should be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Any ceramic piece may be fired in the kiln. Kiln firings are free! Pieces can be dropped off via curbside at the designated zone at the Bob Kirby Branch during operational hours. When you arrive, please call 270.782.0252 and let a staff member know.
We primarily work with mid-fire stoneware, so the kiln will regularly fire to the following temperatures to suit this clay body: Bisque Fires – Cone 05 (1888 degrees) | Glaze Fires – Cone 6 (2232 degrees).
If you are using any clay or glaze that was not purchased in the Idea Lab, it is your responsibility to denote at what temperature your piece(s) should be fired.
If you have any questions, please call the Idea Lab at 270.782.0252.
Most pottery items take 4-6 days to completely dry out before being ready for a bisque firing.
For the safety of your piece, it will not be fired if it is not completely dry throughout.
Pottery Drop-off
All kiln firings are free of charge. You may drop your greenware or glazed pieces off at the Bob Kirby Branch in the Idea Lab or via curbside (see instructions below).
Please make sure to fill out a drop-off slip and include all the information requested. The firing schedule will be determined by the number of pieces waiting, and the type of firing needed (bisque vs. glaze). We will only fire the kiln once there are enough pieces for a full firing. Pieces should be dropped off by 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Curbside Drop-off & Pickup
Dropping Off Pottery
- Call 270.782.0252 when you arrive at Bob Kirby to let a staff member know you are there to drop-off pottery.
- Drive around to the designated area located at the back of the building. You will see a sign on the door (Yuki side of the building by the garage door).
- A staff member will meet you at the door and will roll out a cart for you to place your pieces.
- The staff member will fill out a pottery slip with your name, contact info, type of firing, and the number of pieces you are dropping off. If you have any special firing instructions, please let the staff member know at this time.
- You will be contacted when your pieces are ready for pickup.
Picking Up Pottery
- Call 270.782.0252 when you arrive at Bob Kirby to let a staff member know you are there to pick up pottery.
- Drive around to the designated area located at the back of the building. You will see a sign on the door (Yuki side of the building by the garage door).
- A staff member will meet you at the door and will roll out a cart for you to pick up your pieces.