Experience rich, atmospheric glaze effects in our community gas kiln. Whether you’re a studio member or an outside artist, we’re excited to help bring your work to life.

Gas Reduction Firing

What is Gas Reduction Firing?

Many potters love reduction firing for the depth, movement, and character it creates in glazes. Unlike electric kilns, a gas kiln allows the atmosphere inside the kiln to change during firing, producing rich colors, subtle variations and beautiful surface effects that simply can’t be achieved in oxidation.

At Fat Cat Pottery, our community-built gas kiln provides artists with an affordable way to experience atmospheric firing without owning a gas kiln themselves.

Community Built

Our gas kiln was built by members of our pottery community and continues to serve artists throughout southeastern North Carolina.

2026 Gas Reduction Firing Schedule

Mark your calendars!

May 1

June 26

August 7

September 25

November 6

Affordable

Reduction firing is available to everyone - not just FCP members.

Pay only $0.35 per inch (height + length)

Compatible Glazes

Reduction firing works beautifully with: Fat Cat Pottery studio reduction glazes, Mayco SW glazes, Amaco Potter’s Choice, Select Coyote glazes and more. We also offer a community glaze library donated by the studio artists. They are available at our Wilmington supply store.

Preparing Your Work

To help ensure a smooth firing and the best possible results, please follow these guidelines:

  • Using FCP studio glazes? Come glaze your work during the week of the firing on Tuesday or Wednesday before close.

  • Using your own glazes? Your work should be fully glazed and ready for firing before drop-off.

  • All work must be submitted by 12:00PM (noon) the day before the scheduled firing.

  • Wipe glaze from the bottom of each piece, leaving at least ¼ inch of clean clay around the foot.

  • Clearly label all work with your name or makers mark.

  • Only cone 5-7 clay bodies and glazes suitable for reduction firing should be submitted. All clay must be purchased at Fat Cat Pottery or a preferred dealer.

Pricing

$0.35 per inch (height + length) and must be paid at drop off

Pick up

All wares will be unloaded at noon the day following the fire and are ready for pick up directly afterwards. We’ll hold your work for 30 days after fire if you’re unable to make the unloading.