Basics: Firing Enamels

Firing Enamels

• Slide firing fork under firing rack and lift off the top of the kiln.
• Open door to kiln.
• Place firing rack on bottom of kiln, and slide fork out from underneath.
• Push door closed.
• Watch temperature on kiln front. When the temperatures reaches around 1500, open door slightly and peek.
• If the piece shows a smooth glassy surface, you are done!
• If not, close door and leave piece in for another minute or 2. Each enamel is a little different. You’ll develop a feel for the timing on this as the class continues.
• When piece is done, pick up firing fork.
• Open door.
• Slide firing fork under firing rack and pull out firing rack.
• Place firing rack on steel cooling plate, and slide fork from underneath.
• Wait. Pieces generally take 10-15 minutes to cool.