PREPARATION FOR FIRING
● Before loading the kiln, there are several things you should do to prepare for a firing:
1.
A. Make sure timer is set to “off.”
B. Check to make sure that Kiln Sitter
® button is out and therefore off.
C. Thumbwheel should be set to “▲.”
D. Do not open lid if either pilot light is on.
2. Remove all dust and chips that may have resulted from shipping (or previous firing). A small
vacuum cleaner is very useful in keeping your kiln clean. Dust in the kiln could cause
imperfections in glazed pieces.
3. Prepare a small amount of kiln wash. Kiln wash is a refractory material that prevents glazed
pieces from sticking to shelves. It is usually purchased as a dry powder and is then mixed with
water to the consistency of skim milk. Use only high fire kiln wash. Clean all your new shelves,
then kiln wash only the top side of each shelf and the floor of the kiln, applying with a paintbrush.
This will seal the dust and prevent glazes from adhering to these surfaces. Apply a paper thin
coat, or it may chip off. When the kiln wash wears off, only bare spots should be recoated
keeping the kiln wash thin but the shelves covered. If glaze has dripped onto shelves, chip it off,
smooth and re-apply kiln wash to these areas. Sandpaper may be used to smooth these small areas
before reapplying kiln wash. CAUTION: Do not coat the kiln sidewalls, lid or bottom of shelves.
Keep kiln wash off of the elements to avoid burning out elements. Also kiln wash the top edges
of the metal cone supports and the underside of the rod of the kiln sitter, being careful not to get
any in the sitter tube or on any cones. Apply only a thin coat (a thick coat could cause the sitter to
overfire) and apply it only to the metal parts that come in contact with the cone before and during
firing.
4.
Plug in kiln, checking that the cord does not touch kiln case.
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