Ceramic - Pottery Dictionary

by Susan Mussi

COLLAPSING - Clay.

ca: COL•LAPSE - Argila

es: COLAPSO - Arcilla

Collapsing occurs when clay is over fired it collapses and becomes liquid. I have seen a kiln in which clay spread over a wall and floor like thick melted chocolate and when the firing finished, it had become a solid block. The whole kiln had to be dismounted and repaired. Always check when buying clay to what temperature it can be fired.