Ceramic curing/drying?

So I've had this idea for a while and I'm testing it right now. I make art as a sort of living right now and with that I often work in clay or ceramic material. Try to imagine this as I can understand it may not be easy to picture if you've never worked in these materials.

Information: After making a clay peice it is bisque fired to about 1800 degrees, changing the properties to a stone like feeling and removing all moisture out of the clay. After this stage it is often fired again with some sort of glaze or engobe to a temp. as high as 2800degrees.

Idea: I have many handmade jars with lids that are only bisque fired. These pots will still absorb moisture. I am hanging a good size fresh cut nug in a jar with a lid and so far it is drying at a good pace and not holding all its moisture even though it is in a closed jar.

I just thought that up and decided to try it. I would like to hear some opinions of what other people may think about this or if anyone has ever done this. Sorry if it was kinda choppy.

The more ideas the better man. Good idea and there is only one way to find out. We have been storing in those for thousands of years so it can't be bad for it. +rep.

Now that sounds intriguing

Please let us know if these can be purchased & what they are called.
Do you have any pics?
Please report the end results.
By the way I LIKE!

The only problem I see with drying it in jars is you won't be able to pack alot in them. I think as a curing jar it might be very workable. Nice idea.

out.

First, you probably cannot purchase what I am using. It is a ceramic pot half way through the process. Things like plates and ceramic objects have to be fired once to reduce water and solitify the form and fired again (usually at a higher temp. for functional ware) to melt the glaze which is essentially glass.

Second, I was also thinking that it may get packed inside the jar I am using, but I have a solution. You wouldn't want to pack them in mostly because you don't want to flatten your nugs and also if it is touching the side it will draw moisture from the bud itself. The solution is .............a good size shortened box. I am working with clay so I can virtually make any shape, size, dimension, etc. On another idea, it would almost be better to make a box from clay, fire it, and make a plaster mold of the box. A plaster box would be exceptional because plaster draws moisture at a very good rate and if I had a mold I could easy produce many of them. Hmmmmm......

As long as you can control mold with the buds drying in a confined space, it'll be a great container.... good luck

out.

Is this idea for drying small quantities or curing buds?

I ask this because you said you put a fresh cut nug inside. For drying Id say its okay if you can keep light out, and stop mold from growing because wet nugs sitting close together are a breeding ground for mold. If its for curing I wonder if its air tight enough to give a good "burping" action, or if the clay will absorb the moisture, and since it is porous it will let fresh air in thus quickening the cure which wouldn't be ideal.

Its always something to try none the less. Best of luck, and post your results.

Na, it has the possibility for large amounts if it proves promising. The nugs are still able to hang seperatly inside of the containers. As for being porous I'm not sure if you understand the firing of ceramics but the properities change between each firing. After the first firing it is solidified is just the same as a basic house plate without the glaze on it. It is fired to 1800 degrees. The concern of being air tight is all in how you make it. I could easily make a shelf insdie for the lid to sit on. So far so good, I was really just thinking of using it for drying because there would be no need for air flow or air holes, just opening once a day for a minute or two. And it was just an idea because I am in the studio all day and sometimes make random things.

i know in my old town they had a place where you could go paint ceramics and they would fire them again. im not sure if thats what youre talking about but you could probably buy jars from them.

I'm not sure if you guys are understanding I make the clay, the form, I fire it. I do all the work. If you are really interested in "trying" to purchase something you should prolly find your local art deptartment at a University or something and find some art students who work in clay. I was just playing with options, it might not be the best solution for you, but does work.

Cubbz said:

I'm not sure if you guys are understanding I make the clay, the form, I fire it. I do all the work. If you are really interested in "trying" to purchase something you should prolly find your local art deptartment at a University or something and find some art students who work in clay. I was just playing with options, it might not be the best solution for you, but does work.

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i wasnt suggesting that you go out and buy it if you are referring to me. i understand you can make your own but i was talking to the people who were interested in what you were talking about and wanted to try it out for themselves. you said you didnt know where you could purchase them.

No I didn't mean any dis-respect. But those places that are "paint your own pottery" usually have pots that are beyond the stage you may want. I was just putting some information out there, take it how you will.

PIC PIC PIC, I wanna see some pics...

PIC PIC PIC I wanna see some pics...


out.

Cubbz said:

No I didn't mean any dis-respect. But those places that are "paint your own pottery" usually have pots that are beyond the stage you may want. I was just putting some information out there, take it how you will.

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oh dont worry i didnt take it as disrespect i knew what you were saying. i didnt know if the pots at the pottery place were what you were talking about, thats why i was just throwing it out there.