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Firing service

The ceramics firing service at the Arts Academy is open to anyone. Find out how much it costs and what the process is.

Are you a keen potter? Working on a ceramics project but don't have your own kiln? Don't worry – our firing service is open to the general public. Drop off your work during opening hours, and we'll let you know when the fired pieces are ready for collection.

Opening hours

Semester 1 (2 March to 5 June)
Mondays and Wednesdays 8.45–9.15 am
 
Semester 2 (20 July to 23 October)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8.45–9.15 am
 
The service will be closed from 31 August to 6 September. Firings outside these times are subject to staff availability and workload. Contact us if you'd like to discuss alternatives.

Firing info

Ceramics studio, Building E (Old Gaol), SMB Campus

  • $10 per kilo (with your own glazes)
  • $15 per kilo (if you want to use our studio glazes)

Each stage of firing generally takes 8 to 10 days (or longer if a kiln is experiencing issues or undergoing maintenance). Keep in mind that our kilns are not set up for production purposes, and the work of our students is our main priority, which means turnaround times for members of the public may vary.

  • Bisque (984°C)
  • Earthenware glaze (1100°C)
  • Mid-fire glaze (1220°C)

  • Make sure your clay is completely dry. Evaporating moisture can cause damage to the kiln and other people’s work.
  • Poke a hole in any pieces that are hollow and fully enclosed. Work will likely explode if you don’t.
  • Mark your work for identification purposes.
  • Make sure your work has no glaze on the bottom. Glaze will stick to the kiln shelf during firing. Work with overly thick glaze applications or layered glazes may be rejected.

  • While we take great care with all work during firing, we can't be held responsible for breakages or underglaze/glaze issues.
  • You may incur a fee if your clay or glaze damages the kiln or kiln shelves.
  • Our technical staff support many studios and facilities across campuses, so they may not be available outside the advertised service times.

Contact us

If you have any questions about our firing service, please email Claire Blake via c.blake@federation.edu.au.