Once the glazing has been applied by hand, the porcelain gets its second, or main, firing. This takes place at a temperature of 1380° C, and gives the porcelain almost the same compressive strength as steel. The glost firing causes individual pieces to sinter (shrink) by about 14%. This “shrinkage” must be calculated in making the molds. The porcelain now has a smooth, glazed surface, which is just perfect for detailed decoration using a quill pen or brush.