How to Fire Glass Clay
Glass clay is a great, modern way to create pate de verre kiln fired glass without the aggravation of plaster molds. Fused glass artists have been using glass clay in creative ways to make all kinds of jewelry, platters, sculptures and other items for many, many years. This tutorial will explain how to fire carved, molded or otherwise formed glass clay in a glass fusing kiln.
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Instructions
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Prepare your kiln shelf with kiln wash or line the kiln shelf with thin fire paper in preparation to fire your glass clay piece.
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Place your glass clay on the kiln shelf of your kiln.
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Fire your glass clay using the following schedule as a guide:
Ramp ºF/Hr Target temperature Hold for:
1 AFAP 180 60
2 600 1000 30
3 600 1300 20
4 AFAP 960 60
5 150 700 0
6 AFAP 500 0The first ramp is designed to be sure the glass clay is completely bone dry. The second ramp squeezes out any bubbles in the glass clay and prevents the glass from getting an ugly haze on the surface. The third ramp brings the glass clay to a full fuse. The glass clay will reduce by about a third by the end of this ramp. The fourth ramp anneals the glass clay. The fifth and sixth ramps are to slow cool the glass clay.
Be aware that kilns will differ and you may need to adjust your firing depending on your kiln, the type and color of glass clay you are using and the size of the glass clay item you made.
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Tips & Warnings
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Comments
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If I don't have a kiln with a programmable pryrometer how do I fire it? What temps and how long to I hold at each temp?
