Can I dry wet greenware in my kiln?
Before we even discuss the possible effect this would have on your greenware lets discuss a bigger investment, your kiln. The firebricks in an 8 sided kiln can absorb approximately fifty pound of moisture from wet greenware! This reduces the insulating capacity of the firebrick. It also takes a tremendous amount of electrical power to convert water to steam during firing. This slows the kiln to a crawl. Not only will moist greenware reduce the efficiency of your kiln, it will rust it out! If you have used your kiln as a “greenware dryer”, burn off the moisture in the firebricks by firing your kiln empty overnight on LOW. Then enjoy years of quality ceramics by loading and firing only bone dry ware in your kiln. When is kiln lid still worth repairing? A lid can last the life of the kiln if you are as gentle with the lid as you are with the greenware you load into the kiln. Do not entrust anyone else with loading your kiln until they understand the importance of careful handling. An ounc
