How to Melt Bottles Into Cheese Trays

Any shape or size of glass bottle can be melted in basically the same way.

Old glass bottles are usually nothing more than a nuisance to be thrown in the recycling bin, but if you have the right equipment, they can be reshaped and given a new function in your home. By carefully heating the glass bottles to the point where they soften and begin to melt, you can turn them into attractive trays for serving cheese or other foods.

Things You'll Need

• Glass bottle
• Pottery kiln
• Fiber paper
• Protective gloves

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the glass bottle you want to melt, and ensure that it is completely clean. This includes removing any paper labels, but you can leave painted labels on.

2. Place fiber paper on the shelf in a kiln, then place the bottle on its side on the paper. Make sure to orient the bottle so that the side facing upward is the side of the bottle that you want to be the top of your cheese tray.

3. Heat the kiln to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit by increasing the temperature at a rate of about 500 DPH (degrees per hour). Once it has reached this temperature, let it remain there for about 10 minutes.

4. Raise the temperature to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit at 250 DPH.

5. Raise the temperature as quickly as possible to 1,475 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Check on the bottle periodically to determine how far it has melted. Maintain the temperature at 1,475 degrees Fahrenheit until it has melted enough to be used as a tray.

7. Turn off the kiln, put on protective gloves, and open the kiln door wide for a few seconds to drop the temperature quickly. Close the door as soon as the kiln reaches 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Allow the temperature to drop to 850 degrees Fahrenheit at 150DPH or less. You may need to periodically turn on the kiln to prevent it from cooling too quickly.

9. Leave the glass in the kiln, with the kiln door closed, until it has cooled to room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear heat-resistant clothing and protective gloves in particular, when working with a kiln.

References

• Warm Glass: Slumping Bottles
• Glass Fusing Made Easy: Venting a Kiln