Black pots require a rust colored clay while red pots need a blood red colored clay. To achieve the tan color, only water is applied to the pots' surface. Several layers of slip are applied to the surface of the pot. The pot is then burnished with a stone. Many potters use stones passed down through generations of potters.
More slip is applied on the burnished surface.
The area is reburnished. A thin layer of bacon grease is applied then the area is burnished until dry and glassy in finish. A metal support and stove pipe tin is placed on top. Then split cedar is set ablaze under the pot. The pot is engulfed in flame.