Klyrfire Issues

    • 77 posts
    July 2, 2013 9:14 AM EDT

    Hi Kathy,
    I waited for a while because I thought a Klyr Fire expert would answer, because I don't use it. Because that don't happens, I write you my thoughts.
    I have never heard, that Klyfire enamel dyed. A greenish dyeing could indicate that the Klyfire was in contact with copper or copper-scale. (Copper-oxide). Is it possible, that you used a brush which  before in contact with copper-oxide or any other form of copper came? Or that you pickled the piece in a copper containing pickle? Or that traces of copper or copper-cinder contaminated your flux?
    I hope you could solve the problem.
    Instead of Klyr-fire I use a solution of wallpaper glue powder. That works very well. Solve a ¼ teaspoon of the powder into 100 ml distillated water. If the solution is too thick, dilute it with more distilled water.

    Edmund

    • Moderator
    • 114 posts
    July 4, 2013 8:25 AM EDT

    Hi Kathy,

    You don't need to use Klyr fire under foil. The late Bill Helwig only used a drop of water in the corner of the foil and let it creep underneath the whole piece of foil. I learned the same method from Ricky Frank in one of his workshops. Perhaps the 2020 is tainted. Have you tried a different brand?

    • 0 posts
    July 5, 2013 12:38 PM EDT

    Dear Edmund and Trish,

    Thank you both for your replies. I read your wallpaper glue powder method in another discussion, Edmund, and have that idea tucked in the back of my mind. Trish, I have considered using water also. Thank you both.

    I've experimented further, and believe the problem I'm having is one of firing time/temp., as the discolored color did clear up. I find my kiln temp. is disappointing. I know that some kilns run hotter. It seems really hard for me to control, so I'm starting to switch to firing by sight. I may even switch to my little beehive kiln if I'm going by sight! I realize that this is a matter of further experience, but does anyone have any comments? I'm using a Paragon SC2 w/built in pyrometer. It was purchased new.

    • 0 posts
    July 9, 2013 6:54 PM EDT

    I use a kiln with a pyrometer but the only thing I use the pyrometer for is to tell me when the kiln is to temperature or to tell me if the kiln is getting too hot as it sits while I work on the piece. I think you should learn to fire by sight and that when doing so you will become more attuned to what is going on with your piece. It becomes more about focus, you will learn more and produce better work.

    • 0 posts
    July 11, 2013 6:45 PM EDT

    Thank you for this confirmation, Wayne. I appreciate your input. Nice to talk with you again... I met you a few summers ago at Odanata Gallery. I'm the lady who asked LOTS of questions! Funny, I was just there a few days ago, and admiring your pieces... Thanks again for referring me to this forum!

    • 0 posts
    July 12, 2013 8:54 AM EDT

    Hi Kathy,

    I am glad to see that you are taking advantage of the.e site. Don't worry, I Am usually asked lots of questions when doing demos. You are not the only one.

    Hope you are working hard and learning a lot about enameling and yourself.

    Wayne 

    • 0 posts
    June 29, 2013 9:50 PM EDT

    I'm having issues when using Klyfire under silver foil on fine silver. This process works well with a transparent enamel over it, but green-ish areas develop when Thompson 2020 is used as a final clear coat. I'm assuming this has something to do with the Klyrfire, as something similar has happened before.

    Was the Klyrfire not dried well in that area? Is there something better to use as a holding agent for large areas of silver foil that are not contained inside cloisonnes? Or is something else going on here?