For those who work with high temperatures (calling all potters, blacksmiths, glass blowers, etc.,) protecting your kiln, forge, or furnace is important. The average kiln can get up to anywhere from 1,800 to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit and kiln elements can become fragile or brittle. This is where high temp ceramic coating can come in handy. One popular ceramic coating is ITC 100 coating, though there are five main types of ITC ceramic coating, which include ITC 148, ITC 100HT ceramic coating, ITC 213 ceramic coating for metals, ITC 296A ceramic top coating, and ITC 200 EZ ceramic repair. We’ll discuss why coating your kiln is important, what you should know about ITC 100 application, and what you should know about kiln elements as well to keep your equipment in excellent shape.
Why Should I Look Into ITC 100 Application or Other Types of Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic is very heat resistant and can stand against temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius (that’s 3,800 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes it a perfect coating for high heat equipment. ITC ceramic coatings can withstand temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes your equipment last longer. ITC 100 in particular is extremely versatile and works well. These types of coatings can help reduce the amount of energy you use, maximize production, and keeps both equipment and insulation safe, by resisting, reflecting, and insulating the materials it coats.
This type of coating can also be a protective layer around wear and corrosion, which furthers the lifespan of your equipment. Whether you’re looking for this type of protection on an industrial scale or hobbyist scale, ITC coatings will serve your equipment well. They also don’t use any VOC’s (volatile organic compounds, which are considered harmful) and can actually help cut down the amount of toxic emissions.
What Should I Know About ITC 100 Application?
Before applying any ceramic coatings, you’ll want to make sure that the area you’re applying the coating to is clean and smooth. Any debris, dust, grease, or other particles should be removed ahead of time and anything that’s loose or not at full strength should be taken out. Spray the surface with water before applying.
Follow the directions to see how much you need to dilute the coating and make sure you mix, let it set, and then mix again for the smoothest possible coat. Generally it’s most time efficient to spray the coating on, but if you want to get into small areas, paint brushes will do the trick. Keep in mind you will likely need two coats. Some places may advise you to fire the first coat before applying the second coat.
Tell Me More About Kiln Elements
A kiln element refers to a wire used in electric kilns that resists the flow of electricity through the kiln. The wire heats up as electricity passes down through it and faces resistance. They last for about 100 firings (though proper maintenance/ceramic coatings can extend this lifespan). And, if your kiln is running on lower temperatures more regularly, the elements will last longer. When your kiln element is facing up to 9% resistance, it’s probably time to change it out. You’ll know when they’re not useful anymore, because you won’t be able to get your kiln to the desired temperature.
Kiln elements can also become very brittle and fragile after a firing, so any cleaning or moving things around the kiln should be done carefully. Furthermore, items shouldn’t be placed within an inch and a half of the kiln elements. Elements can run anywhere from $45 to $145, depending on what type you’re using.
If you’re looking to increase the longevity of your kiln, furnace, forge, or other high temperature equipment, consider ITC 100 application or other types of ceramic coatings. They can help preserve your equipment, save you money on repair and energy costs, and ensure that you’re turning out high quality products.