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Base metal clays, enameling using same kiln.Need advice

  • Trish White
    • Moderator
    • 114 posts
    January 17, 2014 7:30 AM EST

    Hi Jelina,

    I found the same issue when using bronze clay and stainless steel containers - it left the inside of the kiln a mess - but you can vacuum it up before enameling - I have a Vcella kiln which is quite large and does not have a program for maintaining heat for several hours, so I purchased a small Paragon kiln for the metal clay programs - I would do as much metal clay firing as I could so that you don't have to go back and forth cleaning in between enameling - You don't want any dirt present when enameling. There is also sheets of foil that can be purchased specifically for base metals that you can fold into a box in place of the stainless steel containers and do not make a mess - I can't remember where I ordered them so I will have to check with other Members - right now my entire studio is all packed up for moving so I can't get to my notebooks - but I can have someone else help you with that.

    Hope this helps,

    Trish

  • Jelena Petrovic
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 8:56 AM EST

    I have a Caldera kiln.Information is helpful.                                                                           It's a relief to know that I do not have to buy another kiln.Thank you very much.

  • Ann Davis
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 1:41 PM EST

    Hi Jelina:))

    You can get the firing foil at:

    http://www.cooltools.us/No-Flake-Firing-Foil-12-Wide-Roll-p/acc-600.htm

    It's really sharp so handle carefully, cut with scissors, fold into box and staple corners:)) so easy no flaking. I use both my fiber kiln and my brick kiln for everything...and yes I do vacuum frequently, just because it's good kiln practice. But that being said, foil is great for the brick kiln, cause it retains the heat, but I use a sager instead, in my fiber kiln cause with the base metal clays, I find I need a little more heat retention... you can get that here:

    http://www.metalclaysupply.com/Firing-Accessories-s/66.htm

    or if you do ceramics you can make your own. There are also fiber containers, again, with a little bailing wire you can make your own out of fiber kiln shelf.  Hope this helps:))-ann

  • Jelena Petrovic
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 5:59 PM EST

    Thanks Ann.it's very helpful.

  • Jelena Petrovic
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 5:55 AM EST

    Hello

    I have one kiln,and I want to do base metal clays  (bronze, copper, and steel ) and to do enameling.

    Can I use same kiln to do both, or I need to have two kilns (one for base metal clay and one for enameling)?
    Since base metal clay need to be fired in a container, and some stainless steel containers shed a lot of oxidation on to the kiln floor,is it possible to clean the kiln with  a vacuum cleaner before firing enamels...or I have to use a Ceramic firing vessel?Is there any solution for using one kiln for both successfully ?
    I need some guidance and advice,please