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silica sand embedding in porcelain

updated sun 3 jan 99

 

Jim Wilson on sat 2 jan 99

Hello all;

When in need, ask the experts!

Yesterday, while firing a porcelain doll head that was sitting on a 1/2
inch layer of silica sand a new challenge occurred.

The silica seems to have become airborne inside the kiln and became
embedded in the dolls head, all over it!

This material has been used in many firings with no adverse results.

The head has tiny bumps all over it, and sanding will not remove the sand,
as it is now part of the porcelain.

Any ideas why? or how this transpired?

Any clue how to remove the sand to salvage this piece?

This happened in a Skutt 614 kiln at cone 6, 2200 degrees.

We appreciate any and all theories and ideas!

Donna