kiln wash

[myskutt]

i just got a new kiln and would like some info onhow thick to make my kiln wash onthe furnature and what concistancy ?

[neilestrick]

Runny pancake batter, 2 to 3 coats.

[Benzine]

I always do one coat lengthwise, then one width-wise, then another lengthwise.

 

 

You'll know you have it too thick, if the wash starts to crack off after the first couple firings.

[Lucille Oka]

Congratulations! Take care of your kiln and read the manual from end to end; there is no better informational available. Read your manual, it will tell you about kiln placement, peep hole plugs, cleaning, test firing, loading, applying the kiln wash, and placing witness cones, etc. never ignore your manual.

[timbo_heff]

here's the ultimate way to do it:

 

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Kiln wash is applied to kiln shelves to protect them from glaze drips. On a washed shelf, drips can be easily removed without gouging or marring the kiln shelf.

Mix the kiln wash with water to a thin cream consistency. Apply only one coat at a time. Use a wide paintbrush or utility brush (a 2" - 3" wide, soft bristle brush generally works best). Three individually firedon coats of kiln wash are preferable.

 

APPLYING KILN WASH

1) Make sure the floor of the kiln and the tops of the shelves are coated with kiln wash. This will protect these surfaces from melting glaze and ceramics.

2) Do not coat the bottom or sides of the shelves.

3) Do not apply kiln wash to the brick sides or element holders.

4) Apply the kiln wash to the thickness of a post card.

5) The only purpose of kiln wash is to prevent any glaze that drips from a piece from sticking to the floor or shelves. This saves both the piece and the floor or shelves. If dripping should occur, simply remove dripping and cover the spot with new kiln wash.

6) When you are applying kiln wash to your shelves for the first time, it helps to dampen the top of your shelves with a wet sponge or a water-filled spray bottle first. This makes the kiln wash go on easier and more evenly.

7) For the kiln wash to really protect the kiln shelves it is best to apply three separate coats. In addition it is best to fire each coating separately. (If you brush one coat on, let it dry and then brush on another, you could actually be brushing off the first in the process, so ideally each coat should be fired on). The shelf can be used while firing the kiln wash on, so theoretically you would put one coat on, load the shelves and do your test firing of the kiln. The second coat would be fired on in the first bisque and the third coat in the second bisque or first glaze (whichever comes next). Fire at least to cone 018 - hot enough to give the kiln wash enough adherence to the shelf to prevent it from coming off in the second coating. Note that some people

get away fine without three firings of the kiln wash. However, we include this recommendation as a “best practiceâ€.

8) If you notice that your kiln wash is flaking off, use a paint scraper (or something similar) to remove any loose bits, then reapply kiln wash. If glaze drips ontoyour shelf, use the paint scraper to pop the glaze drip off and clean up any loose areas around the area, then dab some more kiln wash in the bare area.

 

 

[Mark C.]

This may help also

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/community/topic/3025-kiln-wash-application-on-a-sunny-day/page__p__24380__fromsearch__1entry24380