Abstract: A process for compacting a porous ceramic structural member having a compated shape and an optional size by encapsulation with material of the same type and capable of sintering and subsequently subjected to hot-isostatic pressing; immersing the preformed body in a suspension of a material of the same type in a solvent but which contains no sintering aid and forming a first encapsulating layer; evaporating the solvent; immersing the thus obtained body in a second suspension of a material in a solvent of the same type capable of sintering and which contains one or more sintering aids, and forming a second encapsulating layer; evaporating the solvent; subjecting the thus obtained body at an elevated temperature in an atmosphere of a protective gas for a sufficient period of time to sinter the same; isostatically compacting the body provided with a tight-sintered surface; and mechanically removing the encapsulating layers.