TL;DR: To create a porcelain vase, you must shape high-fired porcelain clay, carve or smooth the surface, bisque-fire it, glaze it, and fire it again at cone 10 (about 2,300°F). This guide covers the essential steps and tips for making a durable, translucent porcelain vase.
Step 1: Prepare the Porcelain Clay
Porcelain is a demanding clay body—it is highly plastic but can collapse if overworked. Start with a wedged block of cone 10 porcelain (often labeled “grolleg” or “translucent”). Cut 2-pound balls and wedge them thoroughly to remove air pockets. Tip: Age your clay for at least two weeks in a sealed bag; this improves workability and reduces cracking.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on Porcelain Vase Tutorial: Step-by-Step Glaze & Firing Guide.
Step 2: Throw or Hand-Build the Vase
Center the clay on a potter’s wheel. Open the center, then pull the walls upward in slow, even passes. Aim for a wall thickness of 3/16 to 1/4 inch—too thin and the vase will warp in the kiln. For hand-builders, use a slab roller to make 1/4-inch slabs and shape them over a plaster hump mold. Tip: Keep a spray bottle of water nearby, but do not soak the clay; porcelain turns to sludge quickly.
Step 3: Shape the Neck and Refine the Profile
Use a wooden rib to compress the rim and create a smooth curve from belly to neck. A vase should have a narrow opening (1.5 to 2 inches wide) to hold flowers upright. Trim the foot with a loop tool once the clay is leather-hard. Tip: Leave a 1/4-inch foot ring for stability and a professional finish.
Step 4: Dry Slowly and Bisque-Fire
Cover the vase loosely with plastic for 3–5 days, then air-dry for another week. Rushing causes S-cracks. Bisque-fire to cone 06 (about 1,830°F). After cooling, sand any rough spots with 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper.
Step 5: Glaze and Glaze-Fire
Porcelain looks best with a translucent celadon or clear glaze. Dip the vase in glaze for 3 seconds, then wipe the foot clean. Fire to cone 10 in a reduction kiln (2,300°F). Tip: Place the vase on stilts to prevent glaze sticking to the shelf.
Tips for Success
Always test your glaze on a porcelain tile first. Keep your hands clean—oil stains show through translucent porcelain. If a crack forms, mix porcelain clay with vinegar to make a slip, then patch before bisque-firing.
FAQ
Q: Can I use low-fire clay for a porcelain vase?
A: No. True porcelain requires high-fire clay (cone 10) for its translucency and strength. Low-fire clay will not vitrify properly.
Q: How do I prevent my porcelain vase from warping?
A: Throw even walls, dry slowly under plastic, and support the vase with a wad of clay or a chuck during the glaze firing.
Q: What glaze works best on a porcelain vase?
A: A clear or lightly tinted celadon glaze highlights porcelain’s translucency. Avoid thick, opaque glazes that hide the clay body.
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