Kiln Shelf Help

[kakirra]

Hi everyone,

I had a dilema of whether or not this post would go in this section or the kiln section but I figured it wasn't a question about a kiln, just the kiln shelf.  If it's the wrong place, I'm really sorry.

I'm new to fusing glass but have had a few successful attempts.  I use a Paragon Sc2 kiln with the shelf kit that comes with it.  Before using it the first time, I put 10 coats of wash on to the shelf.  However after 3 or 4 firings the wash has come off in several places.

I attempted to clean the rest of it off tonight so that I could put a fresh coating of wash on it.  I held it under a running tap and then scrubbed at it with a toothbrush.

I'm wondering if I've done the right thing now.  I've put a layer of wash on and it hasn't soaked in like it did last time.  Now it's suddenly dawned on me that it's completely waterlogged.  Have I ruined my shelf by getting it water logged?  I don't want it to suddenly explode on me if there is still some water in the centre that hasn't dried out when I come to fire it.  Am I being paranoid?  How long do I need to leave it to dry out before I put the next layer of wash on?

Thanks

Yvonne
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[Zeldazog]

No you won't have ruined your shelf by getting it wet.  But you do need to dry it out thoroughly before you fire anything on it.

When I re-coat my shelves, I fire the shelf, empty, up to around 200C and hold for about half an hour, let it cool before I use it (I actually have two shelves, so sometimes, if the kiln is on, I dry the second shelf on the top when the kiln is on)

For future reference, it's much easier to clean the old wash off dry.  Make sure you wear a dust mask and use a green pot scrubber, and you will find the previous wash will come off quite easily.  It's a lot harder to get off when you wash it (And it saves drying issues)

Also, I don't put 10 layers on - some only put four on - I tend to put across, down, diagonal, opposite diagonal and sometimes down and across again if I have made the wash a bit thin, or not loaded the brush properly.

[Trudi]

there's a lot to be said for kiln paper!!! 

[firedinglass]

I agree about the kiln paper... i stopped using kiln wash years ago!  It's so much easier, quicker  and cleaner to use fibre paper

[Warm Glass UK]

Below is a link to a PDF we have on our site which may be of help. 

http://www.warm-glass.co.uk/Downloads/Public/Products/Tools/Using%20Shelf%20Primer.pdf

BTW, we've got loads of these Info PDFs on the site - always on the bottom right of the product page they relate to so feel free to download and use as needed.

Thanks, Pippa

[Zeldazog]

I do agree that kiln paper *is* easier but, even in bulk quantities, kiln paper works out something like TEN TIMES more expensive than Bullseye shelf primer....

[kakirra]

Thank you so much to everyone for your replies.

I've let the shelf dry now for several days and I can definitely see a colour change to what I was expecting so I think I'm okay to go.

I'll remember about the dry clean next time.  I did wonder after I'd started if it wouldn't be easier that way.

I never went the paper way because I didn't fancy having too hoover out the kiln.  I also used it once before and couldn't get marks off my piece.

Thanks ever so much again.

Yvonne
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[Pat from Canvey]

You can also use one of those tiny sponge decorating rollers to put on the batwash. It does leave an interesting pattern on the shelf though. I always hated using a brush as there were always one or two hairs to remove from the shelf. Another tip is to make a thickish paste out of the batwash and use a cake icing nozzle to make patterns on the shelf.
I did this as an experiment many years ago when I did a little cake decorating for the children.

[kakirra]

ha ha, that's great pattern work   I do some cake decorating myself, I might give it a go - lol

Interesting on the little roller.  I think I've got one lying around that I never used for decorating the house, I might see if I can dig it out and try that.  I've not had any hairs off the brush yet though, but I've only used it twice

Thanks again
Yvonne
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