What kind of primer should I use on Stainless Steel Molds?

This month, Slumpy's has had many questions about what kind of primer to use and what steps are needed when priming a stainless steel mold. So here are some tips!

The easiest, fastest & almost all-around best primer (my opinion) and my preferred method is using the boron nitride sprays. The application time is maybe 10 minutes-- apply 3 light coats of the spray and you're ready to drape! With the boron nitride sprays, you are not required to heat the mold prior to application. Take your mold to a well ventilated area, shake container well before application, and hold can 6-8 inches away from mold surface spraying on a light coat. Let layer air dry before applying another coat. Continue until you have 3-4 light coats of primer. Slumpy's carries 3 different boron nitride sprays-- check out here! 



*If you want to cure the mold set your kiln to 200°F (93°C) and let soak for four hours, then increase your temperature to 1300°F (700°C) this will make the finish hard and last longer.

Another method requires you to heat the mold and then brush on the kiln wash in thin even coats. Of course with any application you must wait for it to dry in between applications. If the primer just drips down your shape, increase the temperature to get it to stick. When using the kiln wash, you need to apply several coats, covering any and all surfaces where your art glass comes into contact. Many recommend you mix 20% rubbing alcohol to 80% water you mix with your dry kiln wash powder. Adding rubbing alcohol into your mixture will allow it to evaporate faster so you don’t have to wait as long for it to dry when brushing on an application.

Both methods can be touched up easily with another few applications of kiln wash or boron nitride spray. You may want to apply another application when you see areas that are scratching off.

If you are going to try out one of our many stainless steel molds, keep these priming methods in mind. And as always feel free to contact us at slumpyartist@slumpys.com or 1.866.SLUMPYS

Slumpy's NEWS: 

We've announced our 3rd workshop & it's on the 3rd of May! 

Saturday, May 3 @ 8:30 am

How to choose your Mold Primer

Slumpy's carries a large selection of glass mold primers, kiln wash and supplies. The more you know about each primer, the easier it is to decide on which to use for your project!

For use on Slumpy's Fusing molds and Draping molds, we recommend using MR-97 Boron Nitrate spray. This primer can reach up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit which is perfect for full fusing with our pod molds. The spray adheres great to our Armored Kiln Gear drape molds too. You will need to wear a mask and use in well-ventilated area (toxic product). You can get about 2 - 3 firings before you need to re-coat. Once you cannot feel the smoothness of MR-97 on your mold then it's time to re-prime. 

One of my favorite ceramic slump mold primers is Glass Separator (non-toxic). This primer is pre-mixed and looks like chocolate milk! After the initial first 3 coats, you can use up to 15 times. This primer saves you a lot of time! This primer can also be used to prime your kiln shelves. Make sure to follow the instructions on how to apply.

A great kiln shelf primer is Bullseye Shelf Primer, also known as Bullseye pink popular formula-- comes in powder form and mixes easily with water. The primer is available in 5 pounds or 40 pounds; One 5 lb bucket will coat about a hundred and fifty 20" sq (129 cm2) shelves.

If you are little more adventurous, Hotline Hi-Fire Shelf Primer is great for raking/ combing in your kiln. Make sure you have the proper safety gear before you attempt this technique. 

At the Glass Bead and Glass Expo in Vegas this past April, I tried combing for the first time. Mr. Bob with Cress was so helpful and is such a sweet and encouraging person!

For more information on specific items or technical help, email us at slumpyartist@slumpys.com. 

Have a great week everyone!