Kiln Appendix 2 - Vitreous Glass Enamel

IMPORTANT: Before turning the kiln on: Make sure the kiln shelf is in the kiln, on the bottom of the kiln floor. Inspect it to see if it's evenly coated with kiln wash and that it doesn't have any worn, loose, chipped or flaky areas, exposing the bare kiln shelf.

If the shelf is not coated in kiln wash or the wash is worn, loose, chipped or flaky, exposing the bare kiln shelf, follow the instructions on how to properly clean the kiln shelf and apply the kiln wash in Appendix 3 - Kiln Wash.

The shelf must be on the floor of the kiln for all enamel firings.

Allow time for the kiln to preheat and reach the desired temperature before placing your item in the kiln. It takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes for the kiln to reach 1450°. You may need to run the kiln at a lower or higher temperature, depending on your enameling needs.

CAUTION: See step 3 for enamel safety.

Once you've finished using the kiln, stop the session on the tablet. Open the kiln door and allow enough time for the kiln to cool down to 350°, before leaving the area. You'll be able to monitor the temperature on the tablet. At 1450°, it takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes for the kiln to cool down to 350°.

Once the kiln temperature has reached 350°, turn the key on the control panel to off and close the kiln door. 

CAUTION: When sifting and working with dry vitreous enamel, it's best to wear a particulate N95 mask or a proper respirator to protect your lungs from the fine powdered glass and various chemicals that are in vitreous glass enamels.

CAUTION: Wear infrared and ultraviolet protective safety glasses before opening the kiln to add, remove or check on fired items. Looking at the heating elements, without the proper safety glasses on, can cause damage to the eyes.

CAUTION: HOT! Use high heat gloves, when opening, adding or removing items from the kiln. Use a metal trowel or an enameling spatula to add or remove items from the kiln. Avoid placing your gloved hands in the hot kiln. Remember all items coming out of the kiln are molten and extremely hot!

IMPORTANT: Do not place your items, to be enameled, directly on the kiln floor or directly on the kiln shelf. You’ll need to elevate your items by placing them on a trivet, firing rack, and/or high heat, steel mesh firing rack with feet.

IMPORTANT: You must remain near the kiln, once your items are placed inside the kiln. The firing time will vary depending on the firing temperature, the size and thickness of the metal, and how many layers of enamel are on the item. It takes as little as 1 minute to fire smaller items.

During the firing process, accidents can happen even when carefully monitoring your items. If your item has a melt down and gobs of glass are now on the kiln washed kiln shelf, take a deep breath.

If you’re able to safely remove the trivet and item, do so. Turn off the kiln and open the kiln door to allow the cooling off process to begin.

If the trivet is stuck to the kiln shelf, do not try to remove it while the kiln is running and hot. Turn the kiln off and open the door to allow the cooling process to begin.

Once the kiln is completely cooled to room temperature, you’ll be able to remove the kiln shelf and clean it. See Appendix 3 - Kiln Wash to properly clean the kiln shelf and how to reapply the kiln Wash.