Q&A for How to Fire Ceramic Pieces in a Kiln

Group pieces together that are similar sizes, and expose them to at least one section of the heating elements in your skin. Don't put flat pieces on the bottom, like plates—instead, start with pieces that are between 2 and 4 in (5.08-10.16 cm) high.

Definitely! Your pieces can touch in a bisque firing, since they don't have that glaze coating.

A thermocouple senses the temperature inside the kiln and prevents it from over-firing or under-firing. Make sure the thermocouple is always left uncovered and unblocked in your kiln, or else it won't be able to sense the temperature correctly.

Not if they're similar in size! There's a chance that your items can shrink during the firing process, and they can get stuck together.

The prongs hold the numbered cone or temperature sensor that bends when the kiln reaches its temperature. It triggers the kiln to switch off and prevents the over- or under-firing of the clay/glazed items.

Yes, this is possible. As long as it is bisque piece, not painted green ware, then it should fire. And be sure first that the paint looks okay and is not chipped off before you fire it.

You should be able to, as long as the objects are entirely ceramic and not mixed with anything else. However, beware because if it was not done properly, it could break.

Depending on the size of the piece, run it for 3 to 5 hours. If you have a peep hole on the top of your lid the color inside will be a intense orangey-yellow. Does your kiln have a kiln sitter? It should automatically turn off when that cone bends in the middle.