Clay

• PSH or Tucker's mid-fire (cone 5-6) stoneware clay is accepted
• PSH or Tucker's low or high-fire clays can be used if renting a full kiln load
• All others clays must be approved by ZEAL and tested by the Potter first
• The clay's cone must match the kiln firing

General firing

• Pieces will have 1.5" clearance from the lid and 1" from elements and kiln walls.
• Pieces with handles will be turned inwards (away from elements).
• Pieces that melt and/or damage shelves and/or other Potter's work will incur replacement costs.
• Firing results are not guaranteed. Cracking, warping, glaze variation, or breakage may occur during firing.
• Specialty equipment (e.g., bead racks) will not be supplied.
• ZEAL will load and unload the kiln unless otherwise agreed upon.

Kiln-safe construction

• Pieces must be properly constructed and free of enclosed air pockets.
• Hollow forms must include vent holes to allow air to escape during firing.

*Noted that both of these are contentious. Airing on the side of better safe than sorry!

Bisque

• All work must be completely dry (bone dry) and properly prepared before firing.
• Pieces will be stacked at ZEAL's discretion with stability and weight in mind, unless specified by the Potter. ZEAL is not responsible for incidents.

Glaze

• NO stacking for glaze firings. Pieces cannot touch.
• Only mid-fire commercial glazes (cone 5-6) can be used. Low-fire or high-fire glazes may be considered for full kiln rentals.
• Must apply glaze with the recommended brush, dip, or spray thickness.
• All glazes must be pre-approved before firing. If questionable, a test tile will be required. E.g., red and copper-based glazes are often the most unpredictable.
• When combining glazes, test tiles are mandatory. E.g., high flux glazes melt easily but can run or spatter.
• Glaze must match the kiln firing.
• Glaze must be kept at least 3 mm (1/8") from the bottom of all pieces (including ornaments).
• Work with glaze on the bottom may be refused or additional fees may apply.
• ZEAL is not responsible for glaze incidents that occur due to unpacking (e.g., glaze chipping off). Potter's must dry, wrap and transport their work at their own risk.

Damage

• ZEAL is not responsible for damage caused by improperly prepared pieces, including explosions, glaze drips, or firing clay bodies beyond their recommended temperature range.
• Any work that damages kiln equipment—such as shelves or elements—due to these issues may result in a repair or replacement fee.

Right to refuse

• ZEAL reserves the right to refuse any piece deemed unsafe for firing.

Liability

• While every effort is made to fire work safely, ZEAL is not responsible for damage, breakage, or loss during firing.