Keeping the Kiln Going

At least half of what DarionGlass does is fused glass.  This process uses a specially designed fusible glass that is then placed in a kiln and heated up to 1375 degrees or so.  The process of ramping up the temperature to the highest point and then scheduling the decrease in temperature has to be precisely controlled so that the glass reaches a temperature that allows it to soften enough to permanently combine without changing its intended shape, that unnecessary and unplanned air bubbles are squeezed out from between layers, and the temperature is gradual so that the glass doesn’t crack, break or devitrify.

In addition to the temperature schedule, everything the glass touches in the kiln has to be treated so that the glass doesn’t melt onto that surface.  The way it is treated is with kiln wash, a powder that is in the big jar at the back of the photo and is labeled frit.  I mix this powder in the plastic container beside the jar, and then ‘paint’ everything with the fine-bristled brush on the container.

The foreground shows the basic kiln shelf that has just been kiln washed and is a dark rose.  On the shelf is a texture plate that has been kiln washed and air dried for a week or so and is much lighter.  Next to the kiln shelf are several other items that have been kiln washed and then used in the kiln so that the wash has completely dried and the molds are now white.  Once kiln washed, a mold or shelf is good for 15 to 20 uses before the kiln wash needs to be reapplied. All of this background work is needed before any planned item can be fused — the creative and fun part!

We enjoy making items that represent special times or special people.  If you want a special item, contact us by emailing here or contact us on Facebook.

Next week:  a new fused item