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How to Melt Glass in a Kiln

Melted glass is used to make lamps, jewelry, and even plates and drinking glasses. Glass is the ultimate recyclable material, as well. You can reuse everything from beer, wine and liquor bottles to old glassware you no longer want. Glass needs to be melted at very high temperatures for it to be formed into shapes or figures you would like. This can be done through a variety of different processes. Look for classes in your area about the art of glass making. The more you learn about this ancient art, the better you will become at practicing it.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass
  • Shelf primer
  • Brush
  • Glass kiln
  • Fireproof apron
  • Fireproof gloves
  • Goggles
  • Mold
  • Copper wire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the glass thoroughly. Wash and dry it to make sure there is no glue or other residue on the glass to be melted.

    • 2

      Brush a layer of shelf primer onto the shelves in the glass kiln. If you do not do this, the glass could stick to the shelf and break. Allow the primer to dry.

    • 3

      Put on all the safety garments before you place your glass into the kiln. Choose safety goggles that can withstand maximum heat.

    • 4

      Turn the kiln on to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the glass to remain at this temperature for 3 hours.

    • 5

      Raise the temperature of the kiln to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit at intervals of 300 degrees at a time every three hours. When you reach 1400 degrees, raise the temperature to 1500 to 1700 degrees. Allow the glass to remain at this temperature for as long as it takes until it forms the shape that you want.

    • 6

      Lower the temperature to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is called rapid or flash cooling. Then lower it to 800 degrees. Allow the glass to cool and turn off the kiln. The melted glass should sit overnight until the kiln reaches room temperature. The glass should be thoroughly melted in the morning.

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