DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Kiln wash is applied to kiln shelves to protect them from glaze drips. On a washed shelf, drips can be easily removed without gouging or marring the kiln shelf.
Mix the kiln shelf wash with water to a thin cream consistency. Apply only one coat at a time. Use a wide paintbrush or utility brush (a 2" - 3" wide, soft bristle brush generally works best). Three individually firedon coats of kiln wash are preferable.
APPLYING KILN WASH
- Make sure the floor of the kiln and the tops of the shelves are coated with kiln wash. This will protect these surfaces from melting glaze and ceramics.
- Do not coat the bottom or sides of the shelves.
- Do not apply the kiln shelf wash to the brick sides or element holders.
- Apply the kiln wash to the thickness of a post card.
- The only purpose of kiln shelf wash is to prevent any glaze that drips from a piece from sticking to the floor or shelves. This saves both the piece and the floor or shelves. If dripping should occur, simply remove dripping and cover the spot with new kiln wash.
- When you are applying kiln wash to your shelves for the first time, it helps to dampen the top of your shelves with a wet sponge or a water-filled spray bottle first. This makes the kiln wash go on easier and more evenly.
- For the kiln wash to really protect the kiln shelves it is best to apply three separate coats. In addition it is best to fire each coating separately. (If you brush one coat on, let it dry and then brush on another, you could actually be brushing off the first in the process, so ideally each coat should be fired on). The shelf can be used while firing the kiln shelf wash on, so theoretically you would put one coat on, load the shelves and do your test firing of the kiln. The second coat would be fired on in the first bisque and the third coat in the second bisque or first glaze (whichever comes next). Fire at least to cone 018 - hot enough to give the kiln shelf wash enough adherence to the shelf to prevent it from coming off in the second coating. Note that some people get away fine without three firings of the kiln wash. However, we include this recommendation as a “best practice”.
- If you notice that your kiln wash is flaking off, use a paint scraper (or something similar) to remove any loose bits, then reapply kiln wash. If glaze drips onto your shelf, use the paint scraper to pop the glaze drip off and clean up any loose areas around the area, then dab some more kiln shelf wash in the bare area.
PROGRAM TO QUICKLY DRY KILN WASH
Here is a program that will dry the kiln shelf wash in a hurry:
In the Vary-Fire section:
Press Enter Prog, Press '1'
Press Enter, Press '1'
Press Enter, Press '60'
Press Enter, Press '200'
Press Enter, Press '600' (for 6 hours, 400 for 4 hours, 800
for 8 hours etc of hold time at 200 degrees)
Press Enter, Press 9999
Press Enter, Press START
APPLYING KILN WASH TO A DAWSON
If you have a Dawson kiln sitter, put kiln wash on thecone supports (not sensing rod) for accurate cone action. Clean off the old wash and reapply new washeach time you fire or when it begins to chip away.
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