Kiln Accessories - Jen-Ken Kilns AF3P Operating Manual

Glass Kiln Wash is a mixture of very fine minerals that will not fuse or melt
together at high temperatures and act as a barrier between the kiln shelf or mold and glass. It is
used to help prevent glass from sticking to the tops of the kiln shelves and the firebrick bottom
of the kiln. Kiln wash has two clays, one is heavier than the other. Mix powder well before
using, especially if only using a small amount of dry from the container. If not you may only
apply one clay to the shelf and your glass will stick and the clay will crack and lift off the shelf.
When mixing, follow manufacturer instructions for powder and water ratio and use care and do
not breathe in the powder. (A DUST MASK IS RECOMMENDED) Kiln wash has an unlimited
shelf life in dry powder form in a sealed container. Kiln wash is a powder that's mixed with
water to a creamy consistency and is brushed onto kiln shelves. Many thin coats are better
than a few thick ones. Then waiting a few minutes for the water to be absorbed by the shelf is
best between the coats. Kiln wash can stick the back of the glass some. Take the glass to the
sink and with water it can be removed with a stiff brush.
A trick is once the kiln wash has been brushed on and it is dry and ready to fire. To take some
dry kiln wash and with a little, small holed, kitchen strainer, scoop some mixed dry kiln wash and
tap a thin dust coating on the shelf. The glass you then fire on it will sit on the powder and uses
this dry kiln wash to fire on and not to kiln wash that wash painted on the shelf. This will usually
extend the life of the kiln wash that has been brushed on the shelf from a few firing to dozens.
The Haike Brush is a very absorbent natural bristle brush used to apply kiln
wash onto the kiln shelf in a very smooth, thin layer.
Kiln shelves and posts are made of a high-fired clay, like mullite, that has
been fired to temperatures that are higher than what can be fired in your
kiln. When working with glass in a kiln, you should always fire your glass
on either a kiln shelf or a mold. It is necessary to coat the surface and
edges of the kiln shelf with kiln wash to prevent glass from sticking to it
while firing. Posts go under the shelf to bring up the shelf off the floor so
that the shelf can come to the same temperature as the glass. Never fire on
the floor of the kiln. Three posts work well under most shelves to prevent
rocking.
RECOMMENDED

KILN ACCESSORIES

Always wear Safety Glasses whenever you look into a hot kiln to protect
your eyes from infrared and ultraviolet light.
Hot gloves made of Kevlar and a Lid Lifter: An operating kiln is very
hot. These items can help preclude burns. Caution: A hot handle looks
like a cold handle and if the kiln is hot inside the handle is hot also.
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