Ceramic - Pottery Dictionary

by Susan Mussi

HYDRATE

ca: HIDRATAR

es: HIDRATAR

Hydrate is to combine a chemical with water. Both clay and glazes hold water which dries out during the first stages of firing. The firing should be slow to begin with and when it reaches 600º C they should be dry. Quick firing of clay can cause cracking and breaking and the crawling of glazes.