Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering, Producs, and Ceramics
Find answers to common questions about ordering, products, classes, and more. Whether you're just getting started or know exactly what you need, this page is designed to help you quickly find the information you're looking for.
Why did my underglaze burn out?
Reds, purples, and pinks can burn out at higher temperatures. Check the underglaze manufacturer’s website (or in our store) for charts of their underglazes fired to different temperatures.
What cone should I use if my kiln fires hot or cool?
Use the self-supporting witness cone in the temperature that you are firing to. This gives the information that you need to see if your kiln is firing hot or cool. If it’s firing hot, you might try to fire a cone below. If you are firing cool you might try to fire to the temperature you desire with a hold at the end. Most commercial glazes give a temperature range to accommodate.
My glaze smells like rotten eggs – is that normal?
Unfortunately due to some raw materials, glazes can have quite the smell. Put a dash of bleach in your glaze to help with the smell.
Why does my clay have mold?
Clay is a moist, organic material stored in airtight, dark and room temperature conditions – creating the perfect environment for MOLD! It happens more often than not and it is safe to use. Mold will burn off during firing.
How do I join your mailing list?
Please sign up using the form in the footer on any page.
Do you sponsor local arts events?
Yes, we are able to sponsor some local arts events. We wish we could sponsor every event, but our budget doesn’t extend forever. If you are interested in having your event sponsored, please e-mail info@georgies.com and we can see what we can do. You can get visibility for your event by submitting it to our events page as well.
Do you work with schools on curriculum support?
We unfortunately can’t help schools on curriculum support.
Do you sell seconds or imperfect items?
We don’t sell any finished work (except in our in-store employee gallery!)
Do you offer studio or teacher discounts?
Yes! Please show us your studio website/e-mail/school ID to receive a discount.
How do I learn about new product releases?
Check online at www.georgies.com, our Instagram @georgiesceramic, or our weekly e-news!
How do I report an issue with the website?
Please e-mail info@georgies.com so that we can take care of it ASAP.
How can I give feedback about my experience?
We will take any and all feedback (good and bad) by e-mailing info@georgies.com.
When can I drop off my piece for firing?
We accept drop offs anytime we’re open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
How long until my pieces are ready if I drop them off today for custom firing?
Our average turnaround time is 7-10 business days (this count does not include days we are not open). Check our custom firing page for an up-to-date turnaround time.
Do you offer rush services for custom firing?
We do not offer rush services. Everything is first come, first serve.
I have a lot of pieces, should I just bring those in?
If you have enough for a full kiln load, please call ahead to reserve a full kiln load.
Do you offer discounts on custom firing charges?
There are no discounts on custom firing charges.
How do I know what deadline the drop off date is for an upcoming Holidays if I need it back by a certain date? (i.e. Christmas)
Check our custom firing page for our upcoming drop off deadlines (this guarantees you to have your piece back by the Holiday!)
How do I know when my piece is ready for pick up?
We call every customer when the piece is out and ready for pick up once its been priced! If you don’t have a voicemail set up, then we will e-mail you.
This is my first time dropping off. What information do you need from me when I drop off?
We need your name, phone number and e-mail address. This gives us two ways to communicate with you when your piece is ready for pick up.
Technical & Troubleshooting FAQ
Why does my clay have mold?
Clay is a moist, organic material stored in airtight, dark and room temperature conditions – creating the perfect environment for MOLD! It happens more often than not and it is safe to use. Mold will burn off during firing.
Why did my firing fail?
There could be multiple reasons. A few could be:
- How many firings did you have on your elements/thermocouple?
- Did your kiln product an error code?
Please contact us with any further questions.
Why did my glaze devitrify?
The most common reasons are:
- Firing schedule was too hot or held too long at high temperatures
- Glaze thickness that allowed moisture or volatiles to remain, encouraging crystal formation.
Why is my clay body short, groggy, or sticky?
If your clay is too wet, it can feel sticky and hard to handle. Reclaiming can remove ball clay, silica and/or feldspar which reduces moisture retention and plasticity.
Why did my underglaze burn out?
Reds, purples, and pinks can burn out at higher temperatures. Check the underglaze manufacturer’s website (or in our store) for charts of their underglazes fired to different temperatures.
What cone should I use if my kiln fires hot or cool?
Use the self-supporting witness cone in the temperature that you are firing to. This gives the information that you need to see if your kiln is firing hot or cool. If it’s firing hot, you might try to fire a cone below. If you are firing cool you might try to fire to the temperature you desire with a hold at the end. Most commercial glazes give a temperature range to accommodate.
My glaze smells like rotten eggs – is that normal?
Unfortunately due to some raw materials, glazes can have quite the smell. Put a dash of bleach in your glaze to help with the smell.
Why did my glaze not turn out like the sample?
There could be multiple reasons why your glaze did not turn out like the sample – but it could be because of one or multiple of these reasons:
- incorrect application (or different application than the sample)
- clay body difference
- a different firing schedule
- inadequate mixing or glaze settlement
One thing is for sure – ceramics is humbling!
Why did my piece warp or crack?
There could be multiple reasons why your piece warp or cracked – but it could be because of one or multiple of these reasons:
- uneven drying
- uneven wall thickness of your piece
- improper firing
- structural tension
- drying too fast
- thermal shock in the kiln
- Clay can also shrink at different rates which forces it to warp or crack.