IMPORTANT
Kiln Wash
Kiln wash is a refractory material which is used as a coating on parts of the kiln and kiln shelves
to prevent ware or glazes from adhering to them. It is usually purchased as a dry powder, and then
is mixed with water to the consistency of skim milk and applied with a paint brush. Never coat
the underside of lid or underside of the shelves and side walls of kilns.
Kiln Furniture
Kiln furniture consists of shelves and posts (available in a variety of shapes and heights). They
are used so that ware may be fired in several layers to take full advantage of the space in the
firing chamber of the kiln. Kits containing the most commonly needed assortment of furniture for
each kiln model are available.
Stilts
Stilts are small (high temperature) metal or ceramic prong supports used to raise glazed or
overglazed ware off the kiln shelf to avoid sticking problems. They are available in a wide variety
of shapes and sizes.
Pyrometric Cones and Cone Holders
Pyrometric cones are the most widely used method of indicating temperature in the kiln. They are
small elongated-pyramid or bar shaped indicators made of ceramic material especially formulated
to melt at various specific heats (see methods of temperature indication for a more detailed
discussion of cones, see page 7-1). They are available in two sizes (large for any location in the
kiln and small for use with kiln sitters
®) and in a wide range of temperatures.
Various types of holders for the large cones are available to insure that they are held uniformly at
the correct angle. Also available is some cone numbers are the self supporting large coned with
wide bases, which do not require cone holders. Cones are the most accurate heat treatment
measurement method available for firing ceramics.
Pyrometers
A pyrometer consists of a temperature sensing device (thermocouple) in the kiln connected to a
meter on which the temperature in the kiln is displayed. It is useful in showing how rapidly the
kiln is heating and warning when the desired temperature is neared. It is especially valuable when
firing glass, which is sensitive to differences in temperature of only a few degrees. Do not use a
pyrometer as a substitute for cones. A pyrometer measures only air temperature – and not the
time/temperature relationship essential for firing ceramics.
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