Troubleshooting Your Microwave Kiln - 9 Tips For Beginners

[@sylviamacdonald7625]

Cindy I so needed this video now. I tried fusing for the 1st time and it did everything it wasn't supposed to do. Thank you for sharing your insight. Love & Blessings from Nova Scotia, Canada 🇨🇦 xo

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching. I am happy that you found the information helpful. 🙂

[@Suebeebuzz]

Love your tips.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I'm glad you found them helpful. Thanks for watching 😊

[@lrb3989]

I really enjoy your vids they are so helpful

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching. 🙂

[@diannecrea7090]

Thank you

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@jackielyle4666]

Hi Cindy, thanks for the fantastic video. I have a question, it might sound a bit silly, but here goes. Does your microwave have a turntable for the glass plate? Would the heat from the kiln cook the heating mechanism underneath it? Cheers, Jackie

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Jackie - Thanks for your question. My microwave does have a turn table with a glass plate and the kiln has not damaged it. Even though the kiln gets very hot on the outside most of the heat is contained on the inside of the kiln. Thanks for watching.

[@maggiejones9605]

I had the same problem with the large kiln😢 Will try a larger microwave

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hope that works for you. 🙂

[@Sylta-e6c]

Hi Cindy, can 2 pieces of kiln paper be glued together to make an impression that does move?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi - I haven't used the glue much with my kiln for me it seems to burn off before any fusing happens so item's can still slip. But I know many folks recommend using glue to help hold the pieces so I would say you could certainly give it a try. Sorry I don't have a more definitive answer. Thanks for watching.

[@MuzMUX]

I'm using bottles like you do, but when cooling the glass cracks and comes apart. I'm not mixing the glass, what do you think is wrong any help please.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Sorry I have not had that problem. Is it possible that you are heating the glass for longer than you need to? Or that you are not allowing the glass to cool completely before removing it from the kiln?

[@MuzMUX]

@@UpcycleDesignLab thank you yes I am a bit eager to see what it looks like, will wait till it cooled thank you.

[@sylviamacdonald7625]

What type of glass is best to use ? I have a very large microwave and it seems like it maybe to large ? Not sure where to go from here honestly.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi - I might not be the best person to ask about different glasses because I have only worked with recycled glass. I don't think you should have a problem with a microwave being to big. The microwave I use is 1000 watts which is the minimum wattage they recommend.

[@orirune3079]

I've just started and have been using glass from wine bottles, sparkling water bottles, and other glass bottles that my food/drink came in. Have had no issues mixing them so far.

[@Carol-mq6fe]

I think I ruined my MW kiln. I’m brand new to this craft, and I was trying to do the glass in a SS cookie cutter lined with kiln paper. With the glass pieces I added glass glitter. After 1 minute it was smoking. The kiln paper had turned dark brown, and it seemed the glass glitter had turned black, the kiln paper under the project also was blackish brown from burning, I guess. I let it cool off and just tried a regular glass fuse. That one started smoking after one minute. Did I ruin it forever? The inside of the kiln seems to be smoke stained.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Carol, sorry to hear you are struggling with your kiln. I have never experienced smoke coming from my kiln. The kiln paper does turn dark brown during the first part of the fusing and sometimes depending on the glass it will go dark as well. So those two things are pretty normal and both the paper and the glass should go back to their original color. As far as the smoke goes that part is concerning. I would recommend checking with the supplier to see what they say. Perhaps they will just replace it.

[@Carol-mq6fe]

@@UpcycleDesignLab thank you so much for responding. I bought mine from a bin store (Amazon returns) but it was still totally packaged, unused when I opened it. But that got my juices flowing to want to do this. It was not a big financial loss (every Amazon return $4. On Tuesdays), just disappointed cause I thought I ruined it. I will keep trying…if need be I will buy another one from Amazon that will be returnable. I really want to do this. ✌🏼❤️thank you again.

[@Carol-mq6fe]

@@UpcycleDesignLab thank you so much…I made myself trust the process. It all turned out ok. Even my kiln is white again. Once you said the kiln paper was supposed to turn brown, but would turn white again, I decided to try again and not check on it like I was. Everything’s good. Thank you again.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

@@Carol-mq6fe That's great I am happy to hear that. 🙂

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

@@Carol-mq6fe ​@Carol-mq6fe - There is a little bit if trial and error but I am sure you can figure it out. 😊

[@sparklybeeb]

What might cause a microwave kiln lid to get deep cracks? I've ruined 2 already and I'm losing hope 😢

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi - Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your kiln. In my experience the kilns do crack over time and will still work with hairpin cracks. If you are getting big deep cracks I can only guess at the problem. But here a a few thoughts. If you are fusing large pieces of glass that produce more heat you might need a larger kiln. You could also try to shorten your fusing times. Lastly you could try different brands. I have a more expensive fuseworks kiln and one of the very inexpensive ones. For me they have preformed very similar but maybe some brands are better than others. I hope that helps. Sorry I don't have a definitive answer for you. Thanks for watching 😊

[@sparklybeeb]

@UpcycleDesignLab thank you so much! Your videosnhave inspired me to turn thr den into the craft room. Ibforgot how goodnit feels to create 💗 anywho, I will lower the times *fingers crossed*

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

​@@sparklybeebI am so happy to hear that you are enjoying making and creating. Cheers 😊

[@lrb3989]

Have ever fused glass with mica

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi - Sorry but I have not.