FrogBlog
Ready. Set. Fire with Shelf Paper!
We all know that glass will fuse to an unprotected ceramic kiln shelf. And, nothing is worse than opening up the kiln to find that your project is stuck. Kiln wash or shelf primer will work but, as an alternative, you can also use shelf paper. Shelf paper is a heat-resistant light weight ceramic-based paper that provides excellent separation between your kiln shelf and your glass. It's easy and has some great benefits! Reduces Prep Time - No need to mix or stir the primer, buy or clean an applicator brush. No need to wait for the fusing primer to dry between shelf coatings. Just cut to shelf size, place on the shelf, insert into the kiln and start firing! Achieves Exceptional Separation - A single layer of paper will prevent glass from sticking to the shelf at full fusing temperatures. Reduces Breakage - When shelf primer is applied unevenly, glass may stick to bare or unevenly coated areas during expansion. When this happens, glass can pull apart and break. Shelf paper ensures an even coat between the glass and kiln. Reduces Air Bubbles - Shelf paper is porous, allowing air to circulate. This reduces the probability of air bubbles from forming between the glass and kiln shelf. Now that we understand the advantages of shelf paper, let's look at a good option: Bullseye ThinFire Shelf Paper provides excellent separation between glass and kiln shelf in firing applications up to 1600˚F (871˚C). Compared to other ceramic fiber materials, ThinFire is lightweight, creates less binder burnout odor, and produces a glossier finish on the shelf side of your project. Bullseye ThinFire Shelf Paper is a single-use material that is reduced to a fine layer of ash after firing. For best results, download the Bullseye ThinFire Shelf Paper PDF. It provides an excellent substitute to shelf primer or kiln wash, reduce preparation time and improve surface release. Happy fusing! Explore some of our best-selling glass kilns: Jen-Ken AF3P ProFusion Fiber 16 Paragon SC2 Pro Evenheat Studio Pro 17 Also, don't forget to take a look at our Shelf Kit Collection
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The Psychology of Color!
As artists, we know that the mind is highly responsive to visual stimuli, and color is the most defining factor in that response. On many levels, colors convey meaning – not only in the natural world but also within our culture. Companies have used these responses for years to accent their branding messages and stir up emotional energy... so, is it crazy to think the same theory is true about picking a color for your kiln? My answer to the question is no... it's not crazy, it's fabulous! Now that Paragon kilns offers custom colors at no additional charge, it's even easier to use your kiln as part of your artistic inspiration. The manufacturer has different options but, overall berry is our #1 custom color! ❤️RED - Stimulating and passionate, the color red always makes a strong statement! As a dominating color, red also adds gravity and heightened awareness – quite literally, as the color increases blood circulation, breathing rates, and metabolism. 🧡ORANGE - If you want an energetic vibe, try orange! Sharing red's energizing aspects, but to a safer degree, orange is a good way to add excitement without severity. It's generally playful, and some claim it creates haste and plays on impulse. 💜PURPLE - Want help getting those brain synapses firing? Purple utilizes both red and blue to provide a nice balance between stimulation and serenity that is supposed to encourage creativity. Light purple is said to result in a peaceful surrounding, thus relieving tension. 💚GREEN/💙BLUE - If you looking for your studio to be a peaceful and calming environment, you might consider using green and/or blue. These cool colors are typically considered restful. There is actually a bit of scientific logic applied to this – because the eye focuses the color green directly on the retina, it is said to be less stressful on your eye muscles. 💗PINK - Being a tint of red, pink also affects us physically, but it soothes, rather than stimulates. The color pink has associations with fascination, positive energy and compassion. Psychologically, pink is one of the most powerful colors!
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The Importance of Keeping a Firing Log
In 1905 Spanish philosopher George Santayana wrote these well-known words “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” And, for anyone that uses a kiln on a regular basis that quote can have significant meaning. That is why we recommend that EVERYONE keep a kiln firing sheet or project log. We cannot stress this enough as it is the easiest ways to learn about your kiln and recall exactly what glass, metals, materials, molds, and most importantly, firing schedule you used. Over time, a properly kept log is critical to keeping track of what you’ve done. It will help you learn the particulars of your kiln plus it will go a long way towards avoiding future mistakes. In many ways, a firing or project log is the most underappreciated tool in your studio. All too often, the enthusiasm to fire overcomes the need to keep records of the firing, resulting in unusable comments. This is an enormous mistake. The firing or project log is one of the most essential tools you have. The combination of your kiln, the materials you select, and the designs you create are exclusive to you. No one else can precisely duplicate the conditions in your kiln, so it’s up to you to keep records that are detailed enough to allow you to repeat good firings and avoid repeating bad ones. Some people suggest that a printed log like the Bullseye Kiln-Glass Project Notes, or the Joy of Fusing Project Log, while others favor a simple notebook. Digital logs are also a popular option. It really doesn't matter which log you chose as long as you document, document, document! Some firings will require minimal notes while others might demand several paragraphs, pictures and/or sketches. Most importantly, keep you log in your work area. Use it religiously and enter essential information about each firing. As you become more knowledgeable, you may find that many of your firings are similar and require minimal entries. But regardless of your experience level, don't stop logging your firings, as your log is a priceless tool! Check out some of our best-selling glass kilns: Evenheat Studio Pro 17 Jen-Ken Vitri Barrel Vitrigraph Kiln Olympic 126 Lite
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