Textures

[Barb Berg]

I have just begun fusing (5 firings) using kiln washed shelves. In all my efforts the bottom of the piece fired is textured. For the pieces I've made this is fine, but how do I fire pieces that are smooth both top and bottom?
Thanks Barb

[Bert Weiss]

I have just begun fusing (5 firings) using kiln washed shelves. In all my efforts the bottom of the piece fired is textured. For the pieces I've made this is fine, but how do I fire pieces that are smooth both top and bottom?
Thanks Barb

Barb

If you slump glass through a drop mold, the part of the glass that is only in contact with air will be smooth and shiny. You can cut the remaining glass off if you like.

[Bob]

Hi Barb,

You can also reduce the texture on the bottom of pieces by taking care in preparing the kiln shelf prior to firing. If you use a wash made for kilnforming it will tend to be very fine grained. A light buff of the dried wash with the palm of your hand will remove brush strokes etc. Vacuum the excess powder off. Brock applies a coat of warm water as the last step in wash a shelf. Check the archives for lots of tips on preparing s
shelves.

Slump at the lowest temperature possible to minimize getting marks from the mold.

But the reality is there will always be some texture from shelf.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Bob