Inspect and replace kiln wash

Kiln wash is the sacrificial layer between your glaze and your expensive kiln shelves. When it's compromised, you're one drip away from disaster.

Steps

1. Pull all shelves out of the kiln
2. Examine each for:
   • Flaking wash (peeling up like old paint)
   • Bare spots where wash has worn away
   • Glaze drips fused to the surface
3. Scrape old, flaking wash off with a paint scraper or rubbing brick
4. Grind any fused glaze spots flat
5. Apply two fresh coats of kiln wash with a wide, soft brush
6. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next

Kiln wash recipe (standard)

Equal parts alumina hydrate and EPK kaolin, mixed with water to a thin cream consistency. Apply thin; thick wash flakes off.

How often?

Inspect every 5–10 firings. Replace as needed. It's cheap insurance.