Kitiki Mini kiln

[Lynne]

Have just got back to using my kiln after about four years rest. Last night when I put in my shelf and paper with dichroic glass, as it got up to about 200 smoke came out the door and the fumes were awful. I let it cool down completely, run an empty kiln and all was fine. Re-set up again and the glass and shelf were fine, beautiful little globs.
This morning I have tried doing the same and each time (3in all) the  paper and shelf have completely browned, fumes came out the door and had to call a complete halt.
Running an empty kiln is fine though.
Does shelving or kiln paper deterioate over time and could this be the cause. The shelving has remained in an un-opened kiln and the paper has set in a covered bag on the shelf.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[Pat from Canvey]

Shelf paper has a binder in it to keep it from disintegrating before use. It burns out during firing and may be the cause of the smell. The paper, after firing should resemble flattened cotton wool. It may last for a few firings but then needs to be replaced with new.