Kiln for enameling

Jewelry Discussion
1

I have checked the archives and am still curious about a particular
aspect of kilns.

I was recently told that I should not use the same kiln for
enameling as I do for burnout. Since I am a total novice to the
world of enameling, can anyone explain to me why this is so? Would
it make a difference that my burnout kiln is fairly new and still
quite clean?

Thanks, Alice- in Wisconsin where today was our first taste of Spring.

2 
    I was recently told that I should not use the same kiln for
enameling as I do for burnout.  Since I am a total novice to the
world of enameling, can anyone explain to me why this is so? 
Would it make a difference that my burnout kiln is fairly new and
still quite clean?

Hi Alice, I was made down right paranoid about using my kiln for
anything else but enamels if I planned on doing some. The Ceramic
fiber Kilns can have an accumulation of carbon if the kiln is used
for “dirty” projects. This residue can supposedly affect colors of
enamels. I was told(by the manufacturer) to heat the oven to 1500F
for many hours to remove this carbon buildup. I suggest that if you
purchased a multi-purpose kiln that you have fun and not worry too
much about it.

Jon in Montreal

3 
 I was recently told that I should not use the same kiln for
enameling as I do for burnout.

Alice, one reason (don’t know if it applies to your particular case
though) concerns kilns that have exposed electrical elements inside
the heating chamber. These last a long time so long as the element
material is covered by an oxide layer, which happens naturally in an
oxidising atmosphere, such as you would have most of the time when
enamelling. With wax burnout though the wax vapours lead to a
reducing atmosphere which can give early failure of the elements.

Kevin (NW England, UK)

4 
  I was recently told that I should not use the same kiln for
enameling as I do for burnout.

I’d always heard the same thing about burnout kilns and enameling.
In the summer I usually teach an enameling class. I bring in two of
my small kilns and use the jewelry class burnout kiln as a third
kiln. I’ve been doing this for 4 years. I note no differences in the
appearance of the enamels fired in the burnout kiln as compared to
my “enamels only” kilns. Everyone is using the same set of Thompson
enamels and often the same colors. I always make sure that the
burnout kiln is vacuumed out and very clean inside.

Donna in VA