Julie Rattray

High firing is when thin layers of enamel (particularly whites, fluxes and pale colours) are fired on copper at temperatures >100°C higher than the manufacturers recommendations. This generally means firing at 900-950°. Pieces are fired at a higher temperature and not for a longer time. At these high temperatures the enamels react with the copper and the kiln atmosphere to produce stunning colours (golds, blues, greens, etc) and effects. High firing white enamels (and combinations of soft and hard) can results in a vast range of amazing colours and effects. The colours produced are generally (although not always) more spectacular with softer enamels, and gas and electric kilns can produce different results due to the nature of the atmosphere (reducing/oxidising) in the chamber.