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Hi Angela,
the workpieces on the digital print looks still over fired. You can avoid over firing, if you watch the firing careful. As soon as the enamel surface becomes glossy, remove the pice out of the kiln. Be carefull in watching the red-hot kiln inside. Wear eye-protecting infrared glasses.
Not bad for a first try Angela,
Do you have a pyrometer on your kiln? Also, are you checking to make sure the enamels you are using are soft, medium or hard melting? Thompsons enamels has a chart of their colors and lets you know which are which so you can heat accordingly- We were taught when you see your trivet going red, its time to pull out the enamel - I have stood by with my 2nd hand watch and timed for a minute, then checked the enamel- then another 30 seconds and check again - no more than 2 mins. should do it at 1450.
Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what you mean about the digital print, but yes, they are EXTREMELY over fired. My kiln doesn't have a pyrometer and I timed the first round to get an idea of how soon to check it but the kiln wasn't at full temp yet so the time wasn't even close. I've learned. I am sure my next one will be much better. I do have the pretty green glasses. Thanks for the warning.
Oh, When I was referring to the next two firings, I meant the next two layers on the same piece...LOL Sorry. I might not have the terminology right. Those are the first two that were fired at the same time. The large one is mine and the small one is my nieces. I just meant we experimented with the already messed up pieces. It was fun because we couldn't make them any worse.
I don't have a pyrometer and I thought I was being smart by checking the first round frequently and timing it with a timer. Then I used that as a guide for when to check the later rounds but the kiln was not at full temp for the first round so my times were WAY off and the result was EXTREMELY over-fired. The first round was beautiful...LOL Now worries. I learned from my mistake and I'm sure my next attempt will be much better. They were fun and I wanted to post them any way for posterity. I did a quick scrap piece to test the firing time after the botched pieces and it is one quick minute in my kiln. They are all mediums. I did the research, I was just ditzy when it came to applying it...LOL
I just wanted to add that the two in the picture are the very first pieces. We experimented with more layers with the already over fired pieces. I am under no illusion that the ones in the picture are done correctly..LOL
Also, Thanks for the reply. I love the site.
Many beginners don't put enough enamel on the edges which I believe is why your edges might be burning. With each layer you sift, start with the edges and end with them. Sift several light layers (3) ending each with a light spraying of Klyr-fire. Since you do not have a pyrometer, remove the piece when the rack first starts to glow red and your piece is shiny with no bumps (orange peal looking).