Let's talk about mold release agents! What one do you use, when and why. When you are creating a fused glass piece you must use a mold separator to prevent the glass from sticking. If glass sticks to your mold, shelf or kiln it could be permanently stuck or damage your kiln brick. In this blog we will cover the different mold releases and when to use them.
Kiln wash
Kiln wash, or shelf primer, is a silica and wash mix applied to kiln shelves. It acts as a protective layer, preventing glass artwork from adhering to the shelves during firing. Kiln wash is best used a low temperature firings and on smooth surfaces. We will use kiln wash to prep our slump mold for firing schedules reaching 1225F. At high temperatures you may notice that the kiln wash can start to stick to the bottom of the glass and is hard to remove.
Click here for PDF and video instructions on how to apply kiln wash
Safety: Wear a respirator when working with dry or spent kiln wash. In our studio, we remove old kiln wash with a damp rag to cut down on the dust.
ZYP Spray
ZYP Boron Nitride Aerosol Lubricoat is a high-temperature dry lubricant and release agent that quickly applies thin, even layers of Boron nitride to various substrates. ZYP Mold Release is a powerful spray designed for ceramic and stainless steel molds. It’s easy to apply, provides complete coverage, and results in castings with smooth, flawless surfaces and edges. ZYP is the only Boron Nitride aerosol rated for higher fusing temperatures, up to 1800°F, although it works best for shallow castings and slumping. Note that when using ZYP with ceramic molds, the mold's surface will become slick and will not easily accept tradition shelf primers afterward. We do not remove the ZYP between coats on our molds and will apply a thin layer on top of the last when starting a new project.
Click here to watch a video on how to apply ZYP spray
Safety: Wear a respirator, gloves and safety glasses when applying ZYP. Keep the ZYP aware from heat. ZYP is considered a dangerous good and can only be shipped via ground.
Kiln Shelf Paper (Papyros brand)
Papyros Kiln Shelf Paper is a ceramic-based paper designed specifically for glass fusing. It offers excellent separation between glass and kiln shelves at temperatures up to 1600°F, preventing glass from adhering to the shelf during firing. Easy to use, Papyros is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced glass artists!
Click here to purchase Papyros kiln shelf paper
Safety: Wear a respirator when working with spent kiln shelf paper. We suggest to use a spatula to fold up spent paper and discard into a bucket of water. Never wash the paper down the drain!
Happy crafting!
With gratitude,
Lucent Glass
