Step 3: Bisque Firing. After the pottery is completely dried for several days, The raw unfired “greenware” is loaded into the kiln and given its first or “bisque” fire.  This relatively low temperature fire (1800° F.) changes the greenware into fired ceramic ware.  Although still porous after firing, the clay can never again be soaked in water and reused.  This firing gives the pottery the necessary strength and water resistance needed to apply the glaze.