Kiln wash

When considering how many layers of kiln wash to put on shelves, especially in melts, combing and other high temperature operations, you need to remember what the kiln wash is doing – what its purpose is. 

Kiln and batt wash, shelf and mould primer are all different terms for the same thing – a separator between the glass and the kiln furniture or mould.  The amount needed is enough to completely cover the shelf. This is usually 4 coats - one top to bottom, one side to side, one each diagonal.  If you are spraying the kiln wash, use a coloured kiln wash to help ensure coverage. The shelf is adequately covered when the shelf is a uniform colour although a sense of the original remains while the kiln wash is wet.  Additional coats do not provide additional protection. The disadvantage of thick coatings of kiln wash is that the excess tends to stick to the glass as it is lifted from the shelf or mould.

This post gives guidance about the methods for application of kiln wash.

Multiple firings of kiln wash