search  current discussion  categories  kilns & firing - misc 

****kiln maintenance/tip of the week****

updated mon 28 feb 05

 

Frank Colson on sat 26 feb 05


All kilns,after some usage, can use some patching. Expansion and
contraction from many firings often create numerous areas of fault, be it
small cracks, or a floor drop out!

Some just caulk with clay or slip to repair, some caulk with pieces of
ceramic fiber, and some find a clay supply company selling a "magic"
compound at an excessive price! Clay and slip repairs don't work as
adhesives, ceramic fiber bits don't do it either, for any duration. BUT!,
"Greenpatch 421" sure does everything you would expect and more. I have
used it for years and years to fill cracks and holes as well as glue
broken bricks together,

Greenpatch 421 is available from ANH Refractories (A.P.Green
Refractories/Harbisan-Walker) in a 55 lb plastic container for about $38.00
This stuff is stronger than iron when air dried ,and has a heat tolerance
way over 2500 degrees F. Get this, certain clay supply companies
not to be named, sell a goo which claims to do everything Greenpatch 421
will do, for $5.25 for a 2 oz. jar. Just think, from one container you
could repack it into a small units, put your studio name on it, charge 5
times of the 2 oz. jar, and make a bundle.

ANH Refractories have rep's all over the country. You will need to find one
near you to make an order. Believe me your kiln maintained will forever be
a blessing after you get, what I call: "MUD".

Take note: I am not trying to "sell" you a product and I am in no way a part
of this refractory company. I just want to share how to make
your kiln maintenance a no hardship event!

Frank Colson/COLSON STUDIO
www.R2D2u.com