Kiln Maintenance

[Panamax]

I have recently been told to apply kiln wash to the bottom of a 6 month old skutt kiln. I had always heard not to do this. What is the best procedure, kiln wash bottom of kiln or not? Thanks!!

[Marcia Selsor]

I say wash it. I had a crystalline glaze eat a three inch hole in a brand new kiln when I first started with crystalline glazes back in 1972. Soda is very corrosive to soft brick. Many glazes are corrosive to soft brick. That is why is is a good practice to wash the kiln floor. I always coated kiln wash on the kiln floor of the gas kilns too. It made it easier to keep them crud free. Work that blows up with a glaze on it can be tough to clean without chipping bricks. I also coated the walls and lids or arches with ITC. It insulates as well as protects.

[Colonel Potter]

I coated the whole thing with ITC and should have coated the bottom also with kiln wash. Now I have a big divit in the ITC coating. I also had a cone fly off of the cone boat and make a mess. With kiln wash I could have cleaned it up.

[bciskepottery]

When I got my kiln, I did not apply kiln wash to the bottom brick. However, I did place a shelf (that was kiln washed) on 1/2 inch posts on the bottom. My kiln is vented through the bottom and a shelf with slight elevation allows for air circulation/venting during firings.

[Panamax]

Thanks! Great group...glad to be a part of this since this medium is never ending with learning!