Firing guides are our glass fusing recipes. We follow schedules published by trusted sources to ensure we have fusing success. I’ve been fusing glass for more than 35 years. In that time, my personal firing guides have been adjusted and evolved into recipes I rely on for predictable results. Recently, taking the wise advice of a fellow fuser, (thanks Larry!) I reworked and updated my firing guides to include both 96 COE and 90 COE. Taking it one step further, I now also include Fahrenheit as well as Celsius temperatures.
In addition to making fun videos, I’m hard at work on a new glass fusing eBook. The following is an excerpt from my book. I hope you find it helpful and informative.
Understanding Firing Guides
A firing guide is a step-by-step schedule to fire glass of a certain size and thickness to achieve a specific result. Firing guides are carried out in steps called segments. Larger, thicker projects have more conservative firing guides with more segments. The rate per hour indicates how quickly the kiln should change temperature in an hour. Temperature is the target temperature the kiln will be taken to for a specific purpose. The hold time indicates how long the kiln will remain at a certain temperature to achieve the desired results.
Use these guides to fire projects 12” (30.46 Cm.) in size or smaller, made with 2 layers of glass plus accents. If your project is larger or thicker fire it slower.
These guides are based on my own experience and the glass manufacturer’s firing guides.
Kilns fire differently. Test these guides and adjust as needed.
Because every kiln fires differently, firing guides suggest you test fire the guide in your kiln and then adjust if needed. But they don’t give advice as to how to make those changes. I write new custom firing guides all the time. My advice is look at firing guides that have worked for you in the past. Decide what you want differently this time and then change either the target temperature or change the hold time at that temperature.
Target & Process Temperatures for 96 COE & 90 COE
These graphs illustrate the different temperatures we fire glass in a kiln to produce our desired results.
These graphs are based on my own experience and the glass manufacturer’s firing guides.
How to adjust the firing guides to achieve the results you want.
Change one thing at a time.
Change the target temperature by 5° one way or the other. Lower the temperature for a harder edge or increase it for a softer edge.
Or
Change the target temperature hold time by 5 minutes. Reduce the hold by 5 minutes for a harder finish or increase the hold by 5 minutes for a softer finish.
And
Compare firing guides. Identify similar patterns in the heating and cooling stages. Combine the segments that make sense for your artistic style, type of construction and the size of your kiln. Then write your own custom firing guide.
Take notes to build confidence and consistency into your kiln work. Take before and after pictures to repeat your success and learn from your experience.
These colorful floral images are from my, Sensational Sunflower Bowl, a Premium Video Membership Course.
The Sunflower how-to video with pattern eBook is available on my website.
For more tips watch the video, Understanding Firing Guides & Target Temperatures Here!
Looking for more inspiration?
My Breaking Through – Making Exhibition Quality Art video has 5 advanced projects to elevate your skill level.
Follow my blog for weekly inspiration sent to your inbox!
Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Upcoming Class!
Advanced Glass Fusing Class
4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL
October 22-25, 2024, only 1 Seat Left.
YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.
Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
In this class, you will push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.
You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!
Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!
Knowledge – Confidence - Inspiration
Premium Video Courses by Lisa
