How to Prepare a Kiln Shelf for Glass

Before you start to fuse or slump glass, you must prepare your kiln shelf. If you leave the kiln shelf unwashed, the glass will fuse on to the shelf and the shelf will be useless. Kiln wash is a kaolin and alumina hydrate mixture and is readily available online or at glass stores. It comes in a powder form that you mix with water. Do not inhale the dry kiln wash. Use a mask because it could be hazardous. Good ventilation is also necessary.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kiln shelf
• Kiln wash
• Haike brush
• Coarse sandpaper
• Face mask

1. Mix the kiln wash powder with water to a watery consistency.
   After mixing, keep your kiln wash in an air tight container.

2. Use your haike brush and brush in 3 directions (top to bottom, side to side and diagonal), making a light coat with each direction. If your coats are too thick, the kiln wash will come up with the fused glass. You then have to scrap it off your glass with warm water.
   
   If you are using a mold, it also has to be kiln washed. Be sure not to plug the holes of the mold.

3. Dry completely and put in your kiln on kiln posts to let air circulate under the shelf.

4. To take the old kiln wash off, use a coarse piece of sand paper, then start from step 1 again

Tips & Warnings

• Coat both sides to save time.
• If you do not want to wait until your shelf dries naturally, you can put it in the kiln on high for 5 minutes. Keep the door propped a bit to allow moisture to escape.
• You can also apply kiln wash with an airbrush for even layers.
• If you do not want to use kiln wash, you can put a piece of 1/32” fiber paper directly on the shelf.
• Wear the face mask when you mix the powdered kiln wash AND when you rub the old wash off with sand paper.

[hcoehn57]

on 3/8/2009 Thanks for the info!