Kiln Wash

[Dave K]

Does kiln wash need to be removed and replaced periodically? If so is there any rule of thumb on how often?

[Babs]

Yes, depending on the state of your shelves... I grind it off, angle grinder, masonry disc of sorts, dust and eye protective gear a on self, and replace it as needed eg glaze drips, KW may start flaking off etc. NO rule of thumb just when necessary for me.

Got a big grind coming up, sstufed up glaze app. on a few pots, may end up a garden sculpture yet.

Haven't heard of it being done at regular uncalled for intervals..

[Min]

If it starts flaking off or doesn't work as well, some glazes fume the wash more than others. No rule of thumb that I know of either. (only talking about wash on shelves for electric / gas kilns not the havoc wood / soda / salt play on shelves)

[Stone Spiral]

I'm also curious to know how often to clean shelves and re-apply kiln wash. Just hooking up my first kiln (used condition). I plan to kiln wash and fire empty the first time, but curious how often to re-do kiln washing.

[Dave K]

Thanks for the help.

[Benzine]

As others have said, remove old wash, and reapply new as needed.  Signs of it's time to replace; flaking, a lot of glaze drips/ marks from glaze fuming, etc.

 

For small glaze drips, I usually just pop off the offending drip, and reapply just that spot.  No sense in taking the time to redo it all, for one spot.