How fast should china paints be fired?

Overglazes can usually be fired and cooled rapidly. The exception is piecing with uneven thicknesses, such as a vase with thin walls and a thick base. In general, fire china paints for 2 - 2 ½ hours.   Try adding a 20-minute “hold” or “soak” to the end of a china paint firing. Some artists find that this improves color saturation. (Switch-operated kilns: Use a pyrometer and adjust the switches to hold the temperature.)