Firing Service AgreementKiln Sharing & Firing Services Agreement
Please read this Agreement in full before submitting work for firing.
1. Kiln Description
An L&L electric kiln, capable of firing up to Cone 10, is used for all firings. The kiln has a firing chamber volume of approximately 6.7 cubic feet and measures approximately 22.3 inches in diameter by 27 inches in height.
2. Scope of Services
The Kiln Owner agrees to provide kiln firing services for pottery submitted by the Client, subject to the terms of this Agreement. Services may include bisque firing (Cone 06), glaze firing (Cone 5–6), or specialty firings as agreed upon in advance.
3. Assumption of Risk & No Guarantees
The Client understands and agrees that kiln firing involves inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to: structural failure, glaze defects, interaction with other wares, heat variation, kiln malfunction, or electrical interruption.
No guarantees are made regarding firing results.
In the event of a firing interruption due solely to power loss, the studio will re-fire affected items at its discretion.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to the following conditions:
Only clay bodies and glazes compatible with the agreed firing cone may be used.
The bottoms of all bisque ware and Cone 5–6 glaze ware must be completely glaze-free, including decorative glazes such as Stroke & Coat. Engobes are permitted on the bottom.
A minimum ½-inch unglazed margin must be maintained at the bottom edge of all glazed pieces.
If a piece requires stilting or placement on a cookie, the Client must notify the Kiln Owner in advance. Final determination remains at the Kiln Owner’s discretion.
All pottery must be properly constructed and fully dry (bone dry for bisque firings).
All glazes must be appropriate for the intended firing temperature.
The Client is solely responsible for understanding their materials and firing requirements.
5. Damage & Financial Responsibility
If the Client’s pottery, clay, glaze, or construction causes damage to the kiln, shelves, posts, or other equipment due to improper materials, glazing, or workmanship, the Client agrees to be financially responsible for all repair or replacement costs.
6. Shared Kiln Firings
Kiln firings may be shared with work from other clients.
The Kiln Owner retains sole discretion over kiln loading, stacking, spacing, and firing schedules.
Results may vary due to differences in materials, placement, and firing conditions.
The Client accepts all risks associated with shared firings, including glaze interaction and indirect effects from other pieces.
7. Right of Refusal
The Kiln Owner reserves the right to refuse any piece that appears to pose an unacceptable risk of damage to the kiln, studio equipment, other clients’ work, or that contains materials considered hazardous to health or safety.
8. Payment Policy
Payment for kiln firing services is due in full at the time of drop-off of all pottery pieces. Work will not be accepted for firing without payment. All fees must be paid prior to firing, regardless of firing type or outcome.
9. Packing, Storage & Pickup
The Client is responsible for providing their own packing materials and must remove them upon pickup. The Kiln Owner does not provide storage for packing materials.
Finished pieces must be picked up within five (5) days of notification.
This Agreement does not create a bailment. The Kiln Owner provides firing services only and assumes no responsibility for storage, safekeeping, loss, theft, or insurance of pottery.
If work is not picked up within the stated timeframe and no communication is received, the pottery will be considered abandoned and will become the property of the Kiln Owner, who may donate or dispose of it at their discretion.
10. Indemnification
The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Kiln Owner from any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses arising from the Client’s pottery, materials, or participation in kiln sharing and firing services.
11. Entire Agreement
This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any modifications must be made in writing and signed by both the Client and the Kiln Owner.