saltfiring

Saltfiring is a ceramic firing technique in which salt, typically sodium chloride, is introduced into the kiln atmosphere during firing to form a glaze on the surface of the pottery. The salt vapor reacts with silica in the clay body and glazes to produce a vitreous layer, often resulting in a characteristic orange-peel texture known as salt glaze. The method can affect all exposed surfaces of the ware.

Process and practice follow a set of practical considerations. Salt is usually added at high kiln temperatures, and the vapors interact with the kiln atmosphere and the ware’s surface to deposit sodium-rich glaze compounds. The technique is commonly associated with stoneware and wood- or gas-fired kilns, where the salt can reach the hot interior environment. Because the glaze forms from the kiln atmosphere, not from a slip or brush-on glaze, the resulting surfaces can be durable and somewhat uniform, though texture and color can vary with kiln conditions and ware composition. Modern practitioners may use conventional salt firing or substitute soda firing, which uses sodium carbonate, to achieve similar glaze effects with different chemistry and byproducts.

History and scope. Saltfiring has a long history in European ceramics, notably in the production of salt-glazed stoneware in regions such as parts of Germany and England from the early modern period onward. It declined with the rise of more controllable glaze technologies but remains practiced by some artists and studios for its distinctive surface and historical associations.

Safety and environmental considerations. Salt vapors are corrosive to kiln components and can pose inhalation hazards, so proper ventilation and dust control are essential. Waste handling and cleanup must address chloride-containing residues, and operators should follow local regulations regarding emissions and workplace safety.