Soda firing

Soda firing is an atmospheric firing technique where “soda" vaporizes during the firing process and is carried on the flame throughout the kiln. The sodium vapors create a glaze when it lands on a piece, attracted by the silica content in the clay. I use soda ash dissolved in hot water and spray it into the firebox of the kiln towards the end of the firing (2350°F/1290°C).  Wherever the flame travels, so does the soda. When placing the pieces in the kiln during loading, I think carefully about where I want a piece to get lots of soda, or where I want a piece to be more protected. Since I like to decorate with colors and line drawings, I strive to attract or detract the soda, using materials and placement in the kiln to achieve my desired results.