Members and non-members may book the ceramics kiln for private firings, subject to availability. Please allow at least 24 hours notice for private bookings. We have a Skutt KM1027.
For fees, please see the Fees & Penalties page.
These Terms & Conditions apply to all private kiln firings booked with MakerLabs. By booking a firing, the artist agrees to the following:
1. Client Responsibility for Firing Instructions
The Client is fully responsible for providing complete and accurate firing instructions, including but not limited to:
Cone or temperature target
Ramp schedule
Hold times
Cooling profile (if applicable)
Special considerations (e.g., slow bisque, preheat, controlled cooling)
If the Client is unsure of their clay body, glaze compatibility, or recommended firing schedule, it is their responsibility to consult the manufacturer or a qualified ceramic professional before booking a firing.
2. No Guarantee of Results
We do not guarantee any specific outcome.
Ceramic results vary widely depending on clay, glaze chemistry, thickness, application, and material interactions.
MakerLabs is not responsible for:
Warping, slumping, cracking, pin-holing, blistering, crawling, or any glaze defects
Over-firing or under-firing caused by inaccurate or incomplete instructions
Results affected by previously applied materials (glazes, slips, underglazes, decals, etc.)
Variability inherent to kiln performance, thermocouple drift, or load density
3. Damage to Kiln or Equipment
The Client is responsible for ensuring all work is:
Dry enough for firing
Free of materials that may damage kiln components
Glazed only on areas that will not contact shelves
If the Client’s work causes damage to kiln furniture, elements, bricks, shelves, posts, or electrical components, the Client may be charged for repair and replacement. Please see list of Fees and Penalties for more details.
4. Loading and Unloading
Kiln loading will be performed by the artists, under supervision of MakerLabs staff, unless otherwise agreed.
If MakerLabs staff are required to load the kiln, MakerLabs is not responsible for any potential damage that may occur while loading and unloading.
Clients must deliver work in a safe and stable state.
Pickup must occur within 1 day of the kiln cooling. Kiln is typically cool enough to open two days from the firing date; storage fees will apply after that period.
5. Scheduling & Access
Firing dates are subject to availability.
Kilns may require downtime between firings; timelines are estimates, not guarantees.
Rush firings, if offered, may incur additional fees.
6. Payment & Cancellations
Full payment is required before the firing begins.
Cancellations of private firings with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded.
No refunds are provided after the firing has started.
7. Liability
MakerLabs is not liable for loss of artwork, materials, or time, regardless of cause.
8. Abandoned Work
Any work left unclaimed for more than two weeks after being ready for pick-up may be discarded.
9. Agreement
By booking a firing with MakerLabs, the Client acknowledges that:
They have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
They understand that ceramic outcomes are inherently variable.
They accept full responsibility for their materials, instructions, and results.