Ceramic - Pottery Dictionary

by Susan Mussi

BREAKDOWN - When clay disintegrates from over-firing.

ca: DESINTEGRACIÓ – Quan l’argila es desintegra per excés de calor al forn

es: DESINTEGRACIÓN – Cuando la arcilla se desintegra por exceso de calor en el horno.

Breakdown is the collapse, disintegration and deforming of clay from over-firing. With new or different clay, always check to how high a temperature it can be fired. Clay that is over-fired can spread, like melted chocolate, over the sides and floor of the kiln; this is impossible to clean and all the sections affected will have to be changed.