Jewelry-Making Techniques

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Fusing Frit in a Kiln

by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator,
Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
CA4S

: : : Materials : : :

  • Kiln wash
  • Glass separator
  • Dust mask
  • Paintbrush, 1-inch
STEP 1
Prepare a kiln shelf with either glass separator, kiln wash or by placing a piece of fiber paper onto the surface.

If you would like, you can sketch a design onto the kiln paper to help in shaping the frit for fusing.
STEP 2
Put a dusk mask and safety glasses on. Pour glass frit onto the prepared kiln shelf and maneuver the glass into shape.
STEP 3
Place the kiln shelf into the kiln. Program the controller to fire the kiln to your fusing schedule. The kiln paper will disintegrate or degrade in firing. This is normal. Note the difference in size from the fused piece to a copy of the original sketched design.

Note: Each kiln fires differently so it is recommended to test your kiln to establish the correct temperature, hold times and annealing times before embarking on a finished design.

General fusing temperatures and hold times:
  • Ramp up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit then hold for 15 minutes
  • Ramp at Full speed to 1470 degrees Fahrenheit then hold for 15 minutes (can vary depending on dimension of frit design)
  • Ramp down to 960 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 120 minutes
  • Ramp down to 700 degrees Fahrenheit and hold for 30 minutes
  • Allow kiln to come to room temperature
  • Do not open kiln until the temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit

: : : Additional Resources : : :

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