In ceramics, candling refers to a slow, initial heating stage used during the firing process. It is a critical step to ensure the ceramic ware is thoroughly dry before temperatures rise significantly.
This stage is called candling, a term which implies that the ware is being heated at a pace as slow as if the heat source were just a candle. Candling is a safe way to make certain the ware is dry and the free water is driven off.
Essentially, candling is:
- A slow heating process at the beginning of a ceramic firing.
- Designed to heat the ware at an extremely gentle pace, comparable to the minimal heat of a candle flame.
- Primarily performed to ensure all free water (water that hasn't chemically combined with the clay) is completely evaporated from the clay body.
- Considered a safe method to prevent thermal shock and potential cracking or explosions that can occur if wet clay is heated too quickly.
By carefully executing the candling phase, potters reduce the risk of damaging their pieces before the higher-temperature stages of the firing begin.
