Dannon Rhudy on thu 15 apr 10
David said:
> > Is vapor glazing to be done only in hard brick kilns with silicon
carbide
> or
> > nitride bonded silicon carbide shelves?........
> > My reduction kiln is lined with soft brick, K-23's and K-28's.
Do I assume
> > correctly that soda vapor from soda ash........
David, my own experience is that soda and
salt are very hard on soft brick, even when the brick is
sprayed with ITC 100. ITC does help some,
but eventually the vapors make their way into the
brick, and severe spalling ensues.
I have, for years, added a bit of wood at the
end of my gas firings. It enhances the bare clay
(have to use wadding), and frequently creates
beautiful flashing on porcelains. Another thing
that I have done with no deleterious effects on
the kiln/brick, is to brush any bare clay with a
wash of soda ash. There is very little apparent
effect on the brick. One kiln that I used in that
way I used for ten years, and noticed no problems.
That kiln was sprayed with ITC 100; it does help
some, but not enough in my view to permit the
ordinary infusion of salts to the kiln during firing.
Certainly the life span of the kiln will be shortened
if large amounts of salt or soda are added while
firing..
I know that you'll get lots of responses; this is
my experience.
best, as always - Dannon
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