TL;DR: Make porcelain figurines by mixing porcelain slip, pouring it into a plaster mold, letting it set, then cleaning, firing, glazing, and firing again. Beginners should start with simple one-piece molds and air-dry clay alternatives before investing in a kiln.
Step 1: Gather Materials and Choose a Simple Mold
You will need porcelain slip (liquid clay), a two-part plaster mold of a small figurine, a pouring bucket, a fettling knife, sponges, and a kiln. For your first project, pick a single-piece mold of a simple shape like a cat or a small vase—complex undercuts will frustrate you. If you lack a kiln, use air-dry porcelain clay instead, but note it will be fragile and not waterproof.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on The Health Benefits of Collecting Porcelain Figurines.
Step 2: Pour the Slip and Let It Set
Stir the slip gently to remove bubbles. Secure your mold with rubber bands, then pour slip to the brim. Wait 10–15 minutes: the plaster absorbs water, forming a solid skin inside. Pour out the excess slip back into your bucket. Let the hollow cast rest for 30–60 minutes until it feels leather-hard. Open the mold slowly—if the figurine tears, it was too wet; if it cracks, too dry.
Step 3: Clean and Fettle the Greenware
Use a fettling knife to scrape seam lines. Dampen a sponge and smooth rough edges. Attach small parts (like ears or tails) with slip as glue. This is your only chance to fix flaws—fired porcelain cannot be reshaped. Let the greenware air-dry for 24–48 hours until bone-dry.
Step 4: Bisque Fire, Glaze, and Glaze Fire
Place the figurine in a kiln and bisque fire to cone 04 (about 1945°F). Let it cool slowly. Brush on porcelain glaze thinly—too thick and it will run. Wipe the bottom clean. Fire again to cone 6 (about 2232°F). Cool overnight before opening the kiln. Do not rush cooling, or your figurine will crack.
FAQ
Q: Can I make porcelain figurines without a kiln?
A: Yes, use air-dry porcelain clay or polymer clay, but these are not true porcelain and will not be waterproof or as durable.
Q: Why did my figurine crack during firing?
A: Likely trapped moisture or uneven thickness. Dry bone-dry for 48 hours and avoid thick solid areas; hollow casts are best.
Q: How do I fix a broken porcelain figurine after firing?
A: Use two-part epoxy glue for display pieces. For food-safe or high-stress repairs, re-fire with porcelain slip is nearly impossible—start a new cast instead.
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