How to Make Beads in a Kiln

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By Tara Dodrill
eHow Contributing Writer

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Beads and jewelry making clasps and chains.

Making glass beads in a kiln is commonly referred to as "firing" or "annealing" the beads. Firing hardens kiln items, and annealing softens hard materials to cure. Glass beads are less breakable after heating in a kiln. Durability is key when creating jewelry or art with glass beads. Firing the beads too long or not long enough during the kilning process can cause glass to crack in the kiln, or when strung or attached to jewelry making findings. A kiln, which reaches a temperature of 950-degrees Fahrenheit, is required. Pottery kilns may be purchased from a craft store or made from scratch at home. Kilns can be heated by electrical means or with a gas heat source.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Beads (make from glass, ceramics or metals).
Kiln
High-temperature thermometer
Mandrel or pliers to place beads in kiln.
Well-ventilated area
Safety eyewear
Safety work gloves
Fire extinguisher

How to Make Beads in a Kiln

Step 1

Make glass beads, prior to the kilning process (see link in Resources).
Step 2

Lay glass beads inside kiln, about a 1/4 inch apart.
Step 3

Shut kiln door and turn on kiln heat source. Heat beads slowly to prevent cracking.
Step 4

Observe temperature with a high-temperature thermometer.
Step 5

Raise kiln heat no more than 5-degrees Fahrenheit each minute until desired temperature is reached.
Step 6

Bake beads for 30 minutes once kiln temperature reaches 945-degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7

Lower kiln temperature 6 degrees per minute until kiln reaches a temperature of 600-degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8

Dry the beads at room temperature for 3 hours before use.

Tips & Warnings

Kiln temperatures vary, depending on material used in the bead. Silver beads harden at a temperature of 600-degrees Fahrenheit. Sliver softens, or anneals at a temperature of 1,200-degrees Fahrenheit. Lamp work beads are annealed at temperatures of 650-degrees to 1,150-degrees Fahrenheit, depending on length and thickness of the bead. Glazed ceramic beads must be fired at a temperature of at least 2,000-degrees Fahrenheit. Fusing glass bead require a kiln temperature of 1,500 degrees-Fahrenheit. Gold fires at a temperature of 1,830-degrees Fahrenheit.
Follow all kiln safety instructions. Handle hot glass with safety gloves, and wear protective goggles in case glass shatters while being handled.

Resources