Forums » General Discussions

Back To Topics

Kiln for enamels and PMC

  • Monique Perry
    • 0 posts
    August 22, 2013 11:21 PM EDT

    I use my Paragon SC3 kiln for both metal clay and enameling.  It works great for both.  

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    August 23, 2013 1:31 PM EDT

    Thank you for your response.  Do you program the enamels or time manually?

    Thanks again,

    Rosemary

     

  • Trish White
    • Moderator
    • 114 posts
    August 23, 2013 4:51 PM EDT

    Yes, Mary Rose - Vcella and Paragon kilns will do both the jobs nicely - however, I would not use the same kiln for Copper or Bronze metal clay - as the steel pans shed a lot of oxidation on to the kiln floor and its impossible to clean up.  

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    October 2, 2013 1:40 PM EDT

    Trish thank you for your reply.  Do you have a favorite Vcella kiln?  I assume you can use this kiln for programming and without programming.

    Mary Rose

  • Francoise Zainal
    • 4 posts
    November 26, 2013 8:58 PM EST

    enameling  kilns  are always usable for  metalclayi f they have a thermostat (temperature-regulator)

    The contrary is not always true

    Trish white  if you  don't want your kiln to get too duty. Do what potters do : Buy kaolin powder, make a past with little water and  paint your kiln-sole with it. Let it dry and then use it normally

  • Jelena Petrovic
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 5:14 AM EST
    I have one kiln,and I want to do base metal clay  (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
  • Monique Perry
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 7:34 AM EST

    I mostly fire fine silver clay, but have used my kiln for base and sterling clays several times. I now use a ceramic container that does not shed. I use a small hand held vacuum with a long tube attachment to clean my kiln out (Dyson makes a nice one) periodically or after firing with a stainless container.  If you are on FB, join the group "Metal Clay Friends".  You can ask your question there too, as I'm sure you will find others who are enameling on base metals. 

  • Jelena Petrovic
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 8:03 AM EST

    Thank you very much

  • Ann Davis
    • 0 posts
    January 17, 2014 1:51 PM EST

    I love my SC3 fiber kiln-Paragon...and I use it for everything. But I prefer to do my enameling in my E9 which is also Paragon...the brick retains the heat so you don't have to wait several minutes between door openings like you do with the fiber kiln. And Agreed, I do use kiln wash on the inside of my brick kilns and never fire on the floor, even if you are firing in the tool foil or a sager box...lay some kiln posts down and set it on that...much better sintering.....both  kilns work for everything. Thanks Trish for 'pinging' me about the no flake foil, I put the links up on the other thread.

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    January 18, 2014 12:09 PM EST

    Thanks Ann for your welcome reply.

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    January 18, 2014 12:10 PM EST

    Thank you Francoise for the information. Mary Rose

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    January 18, 2014 12:11 PM EST

    Thank You very much.  Mary Rose

  • Mary Rose
    • 35 posts
    August 22, 2013 2:03 PM EDT

    I am interested in a kiln for enamels primarily, but at some point I may want to do PMC.

    Is there a kiln for both.  I have seen ads for kilns that say they do both, but I wonder if they do.

     

    Thank you,

    Mary Rose