How to Use Lava Cloth for Glass Fusing

Getting great results from glass fusing can take a lot of time, money and effort. Why not make it easier on yourself and get the tools to give your work a professional finish every time? With Lava Cloth, you can choose from a variety of weaves and textures that will give your work a uniform, predictable pattern through multiple firings. Depending on the temperature range, Lava Cloth can be fired up to 10 times before breaking down, and unlike many high fire products, Lava Cloth is non-carcinogenic and requires no special cleanup, so it's perfect for all fusers from the novice to the professional.

Instructions

Fusing Glass on Top of Lava Cloth

1

Cut the Lava Cloth to the desired size, and place it directly on the kiln shelf. The Lava Cloth should be at least 1 inch larger than your glass in every direction. Store leftover Lava Cloth flat or rolled. Never fold the Lava Cloth, as creases will appear in your glass work.

2

Pre-fire Lava Cloth before its first use to allow shrinking. Fire it to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, and soak it for 10 minutes. During first firing, a 12-inch square will shrink to an 11 3/8-inch square, and a 24-inch square will shrink to a 22 -inch square. The Lava Cloth may change color during firing, give off an odor or leave a white powder residue. These are all normal and non-hazardous. The powder is a silicon byproduct that can be simply wiped up.

3

Weigh down the corners of the Lava Cloth with kiln stilts to prevent the glass from curling.

4

Place glass directly on the Lava Cloth and fire, following the kiln manufacturer's directions. Do not fuse above 1650 degrees Fahrenheit or the glass will become embedded in the weave of the Lava Cloth.

5

Allow the glass and Lava Cloth to cool to room temperature before handling. Handling the Lava Cloth while it's warm will lessen the durability of the cloth or cause tearing.

6

Buff the glass with a diamond pad under running water to create a smoother texture, if desired. Always wear safety goggles when buffing, grinding or cutting glass.

7

Use Lava Cloth multiple times, then discard it when it no longer provides the desired finish.

Using Lava Cloth for Surface Texture

8

Prepared the kiln shelf with kiln wash, fiber paper or Lava Cloth.

9

Place glass on the prepared surface.

10

Cut Lava Cloth into the desired shapes, and place it directly on top of the glass.

11

Weigh the Lava Cloth down with small kiln stilts. Distribute the weight as evenly as possible across the Lava Cloth.

12

Fire the kiln according to the manufacturer's directions.

13

Cool to room temperature before handling.