S T A R T I N G
6 | BEFORE YOU START |
Set Up and Location
INSPECT THE KILN
Carefully remove the kiln and accessories from the Hot Start Kiln box. The box should include the following if purchased with an accessory kit.
Hot Start Kiln | 2 | Stand Halves | Operating Manual | Lid Brace |
8 oz. (.25kg) Kiln Wash* | 4 | Stand Feet | 13” (33cm) Shelf* | Fiber Shelf Paper (rolled)* |
3 - 1” (2.5cm) Posts* | Stand Hardware Pkg. | Warranty Card | Peep Plug | |
*Included when HotStart is purchased with Accessory Kit.
Remove the kiln and other components from the box and inspect them for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If you notice any damage call the HotStart Dealer where you purchased the kiln for information on how to file a freight claim.
Vacuum the inside of the kiln to remove any dust that accumulated during shipment. It is particularly important to vacuum the grooves in the lid that hold the elements.
ASSEMBLE THE KILN COMPONENTS
Align the two halves of the kiln stand and attach them together using the screws, nuts, and lock washers supplied. Place the black plastic stand feet on the stand legs. Place the kiln on top of the stand making sure it is centered. At- tach the lid brace to the lid using the thumbscrew which is shipped screwed into the left side of the lid. Lastly insert the porcelain viewing plug into the side of the kiln.
PRIME THE SHELVES AND KILN FLOOR
You will want to apply a shelf primer, also referred to as kiln wash, on your shelves and kiln floor. This will protect them from melted glass adhering to their surfaces. There are a number of different formulations with different instructions for application, so be sure to follow the directions of the brand you choose. If you purchased the accessory kit with your HotStart kiln it will include an 8 ounce bag of kiln wash.
Add 6 tablespoons of kiln wash powder to 1 cup (250 ml) of water and mix it thoroughly. Apply several coats with a fine bristled paint brush to both the top of the kiln floor and the top of the kiln shelf. Four coats applied in oppo- site directions should be sufficient. Allow to dry for several minutes between coats. When you are finished allow them to dry completely before using. When they are completely dry they will have a uniform white appearance. Never kiln
wash the walls or lid of your kiln!
It is a good idea to fire the shelf up to around 500 °F (260 °C) to ensure that all of the moisture from the kiln wash has dissipated. If glass is placed on top of wet kiln wash and fired, the residual moisture escapes in the form of gas and can cause bubbles in your glass. For instructions on how to program the kiln to
