Abstract: A method of forming articles containing a controlled amount of binder, i.e., a presintered ceramic article, utilizes mixing of base materials with a meltable binder such as paraffin wax. The mixture is then formed, as a slurry, into the configuration of the article and is allowed to solidify. The solidified mixture is then packed into a binder-absorptive material and controllably heated above the melting point of the binder but below the vaporization point of the binder. The excess binder in the material is drawn from the solidified mixture by wicking action. Subsequently, if the mixture is to form a sintered ceramic article, the solidified mixture is fired to a desired property.