Kiln use question

[sassy]

I just got my own kiln. before that I sent beads to be batch annealed. Question : Do I just put kiln wash on the shelf and lay the beads on there or do they have to be on something?Kiln had operating instructions and I have a sheet that gives schedule for annealing beads But don't know exactly how the beads should be.

[sassy]

Bump. I really need this info please.

[River Horse Studio]

are you just lampworking? I dont put any kiln wash on my kiln floor. I do put a piece of fiber blanket down for protection, but honestly.... I dont think you really even need that. Just make sure you vacume the floor for particles.. you do not want that getting stuck on your beads..

[sassy]

ok thanks That's what I was wondering if glass would get soft in kiln and stick to floor

[pam]

I never have and will never put kiln wash in a glass kiln, but for the first time firing you may want to put fiber blanket down for protection in case the controller is not calibrated correctly. It would be a shame to melt glass all over the bottom of the kiln.
Pam

[sassy]

Thanks Holly and Pam. I think I got it now.

[artwhim]

Depending on the style of your kiln there are bead racks you can buy. Mine has a dog door on the front so I don't have to open the top to add beads. Arrowsprings had a low rack made from perforated metal to put inside the kiln. The end of the mandrels can be placed in the holes so the beads are suspended in air.

Kathy

[sassy]

Thanks, Kathy, That's what I am going to get. I have one ordered.