Kiln Wash

Which is better, dry kiln wash or liquid kiln wash? Is there a big
difference? If liquid, what is the ratio of dry mix to water?

It's generally applied as a liquid, but can be mixed up to a cream
consistency. (Some potters apply a kiln wash dry as a dust to shelves,
then brush off after firing. Too much work...) My current favorite is
a recipe of 80 % Alumina Hydrate, 20% Ball Clay, which can be applied
thinly (Ron Roy recommends prewetting the shelves to keep from having it
glob up in application). It works well as a thin coating, and last a
long time without getting sticky.
Brad Sondahl
--
For original art, music, pottery, and literature, visit my homepage
http://sondahl.com
Pottery sales page http://sondahl.freeyellow.com
My music site at mp3.com http://www.mp3.com/stations/sondahl

The most common recipe over here is 2 parts by weight Alumina Hydrate, 1
part China Clay (Kaolin), the refractory quality of the latter is a
great help. With potentially runny glazes I sieve 80s grade Molochite
onto the shelf and comb it level with a hacksaw blade; absorbs a lot of
glaze.

Steve
Bath
UK


In article , Brad Sondahl
writes
It's generally applied as a liquid, but can be mixed up to a cream
consistency. (Some potters apply a kiln wash dry as a dust to shelves,
then brush off after firing. Too much work...) My current favorite is
a recipe of 80 % Alumina Hydrate, 20% Ball Clay, which can be applied
thinly (Ron Roy recommends prewetting the shelves to keep from having it
glob up in application). It works well as a thin coating, and last a
long time without getting sticky.
Brad Sondahl
--
For original art, music, pottery, and literature, visit my homepage
http://sondahl.com
Pottery sales page http://sondahl.freeyellow.com
My music site at mp3.com http://www.mp3.com/stations/sondahl



--
Steve Mills
Bath
UK

"L.Mac" wrote in message
om...
Which is better, dry kiln wash or liquid kiln wash? Is there a big
difference? If liquid, what is the ratio of dry mix to water?

Most people use a liquid was as suggested mixed to creamy consistency. When
applying don't go too thick, use a big house painting brush and apply all in
one direction, not quite to the edge of the shelf (you don't want it falling
off to the ware below in a glaze firing)
However a friend swears by using dry calcined alumina. Just sprinkle on
shelf when it is in place and place wears on it. It is particularly good if
you have large flat ware that is likely to crack because it allows movement
when shrinking happens.
You do have to be wary though that you don't drop it in the wrong place, on
other ware etc.