Which Glass Kiln ???
by Lisa
(London)
I'm just looking for some insider knowledge on what you consider the best glass kiln for firing painted pieces in. I'm looking at buying a kiln, a good second hand or a new one,but I have no experience myself yet, of firing . (My college tutor is in control of that so far) All advice greatly appreciated.
Milly's comment: Thanks for your question Lisa. I suppose it depends on a few things... how big your work is/could be in the future, and what processes you might want to use.
You can fire glass in any kiln. A digital controller makes it easier, but you can fire glass using cones.
Having said that, there are different specialist glass kilns for different processes - flat bed ones are good for fusing as the heat is evenly spread, upright box ones are better for casting, and - traditionally - stained glass painting is fired in an upright with numerous closely-packed shelves (see photo).
If you think that you will never, ever, ever (!) do anything apart from glass painting techniques, then a glass kiln like this is your best option.
If you think that in the future, you might try some other 'warm glass' processes - slumping and fusing - then a flat bed is a better option.
If casting 3-D objects is a possibility, then an upright casting kiln is best - you get shelves and fire painted glass in them.
As for makes - Kilncare, Paragon, Laser, they all make good kilns. If you can't afford a new one, any second hand kiln will be ok to start with. I had a round Hobbycraft one I bought from a ceramicist for years before I moved on to a flat bed.
Flat bed kilns don't often come up for sale, but old pottery ones do! Hope that helps.
To find out more about how to make stained glass, click here and return to the Everything Stained Glass home page.
