[Source] Teflon tape

Jewelry Discussion
1

Sedveral years ago I purchased a teflon tape which prevents PMC from
sticking to a ceramic ring mold when firing. Rio Grande no longer
sells the tape, too bad, I cannot seem to find it. Would you be able
to assist in this search? Apparently the system I purchased from Rio
has become obsolete but I have found to be very satisfactory.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards
Beth
Beth Silverman Designs

2

Beth -

Would it be like the teflon tape that plumbers use? I haven’t seen
what you write about, but I have used soemthing like this before.
Hardware stores should know what “plumbers teflon tape” is…the
stuff that keeps threaded parts from leaking.

If it’s “teflon” and it’s “tape”, then there are not many products
that meet the criteria. It might also be called “thread seal tape”.

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-54993/Detail

hth,
Kelley

3

I think they probably stopped selling it because it really isn’t
necessary-- I used to use those ring forms, never bothered with the
tape, and never had a problem with the rings sticking. They were
sometimes pretty tight, but a couple of knocks with a mallet always
did the trick. But if you have had trouble, try wrapping the form in
2-3 turns of masking tape. Then the ring won’t be as tight on the
form when the tape burns off, plus the ash will act as a dry
lubricant.

Noel

4

Beth,

Thinfire paper can be substituted. Purchase it where glass fusing
supplies are sold.

Alice
Alice Alper-Rein
http://www.jewelrybyy2a.com

5 
necessary-- I used to use those ring forms, never bothered with
the tape, and never had a problem with the rings sticking. They
were sometimes pretty tight, but a couple of knocks with a mallet
always

I am confused by this, since I have had at least one student forget
to use the ceramic tape and the ring totally bonded to the ceramic
ring form. Completely and totally.

Elaine

Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com ™
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay

6 
Sedveral years ago I purchased a teflon tape which prevents PMC
from sticking to a ceramic ring mold when firing. Rio Grande no
longer sells the tape, too bad, I cannot seem to find it.

I too love the ceramic ring forms. The tape you are thinking of is
ceramic tape, not Teflon tape.

You can buy the same thing and cut it into strips yourself. Use a
straight edge and a utility knife, about 3/4 inch wide works nicely.

It is just the thinnest available size of shelf paper used by glass
artists. You can buy it in 12 x12 or larger pieces from glasses
places such as:

  • Delphi
  • Bullseye

The thicker version of the same stuff (the middle, not the thickest)
can be used on the ceramic ring forms to make the resulting ring
about a half size larger. When you tape it on, just don’t overlap it,
tape it on end to end.

Elaine

Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com ™
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay

7

Beth and Kelly

I would not use Teflon tape on anything over 400 F.

http://msds.dupont.com/msds/pdfs/EN/PEN_09004a2f80007a07.pdf

will explain why.

It was a big issue for machinists who smoked, they may not come back
from break.

Terry

8

Hi, Elains,

I am confused by this, since I have had at least one student
forget to use the ceramic tape and the ring totally bonded to the
ceramic ring form. Completely and totally.

Huh! I am too. Do you think maybe your student painted slip right
onto the ceramic plug?

Noel

9 
Huh! I am too. Do you think maybe your student painted slip right
onto the ceramic plug?

No, it was a regular ring made out of clay type.

Elaine

Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com ™
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay

10

Teflon tape- Plumbing supplies perhaps? at your local hardware
store.