FACTS ABOUT KILN BRICK
99% of top loading kilns on the market are composed of K23 soft brick. This brick is soft enough to crumble like graham cracker with a gentle scrape. The top layer of bricks in a kiln where potters rest their forearms and elbows, kiln shelves and pottery take damage throughout the life of the kiln. The costs of labor and material to replace even just the top layer of bricks in a kiln that is expected to run for 20 years would cost $400-$800 each time it is serviced.
ABOUT KILNSHIELD
How it works
KilnShield® is placed on the top layer of bricks - the area leaned on when loading and unloading. KilnShield® speeds up loading time, protects your kiln brick, and puts less strain on your back.
Important: Remove KilnShield® prior to closing the kiln lid to fire or rest.
Design
KilnShield® is made from 16 gauge galvanized steel to disburse weight and protect soft brick from damage. For your comfort, we've added a soft silicone foam pad rated up to 250 degrees to lean on during loading and unloading. KilnShield comes with holes for hanging, or can be magnetically attached to the control panel for easy access.
Our design is customized to your kiln, ensuring proper and accurate fit with minimal assembly required. KilnShield fits most major brands of ceramic top loading kilns including Skutt, L&L, Cone Art, Amaco, Paragon, etc.
Our Lifetime Warranty offers years of use and kiln preservation.
OUR STORY
Tony Nardella, creator of KilnShield
About Us
Tony Nardella, owner of Boston Kiln Sales & Service has been servicing kilns for over 20 years. His expertise as a master electrician turned kiln technician brought him to every kind of ceramic artist, from hobbyists to Paint Your Own Pottery businesses to schools and beyond. During his time maintaining New England's kilns, he discovered the leading factor in kiln deterioration was the gap created by worn and chipped top bricks. To prevent this damage, he developed and patented KilnShield® to protect this vulnerable section of the kiln.
PROTECT
Your Investment
At the average price of $4,000 a kiln is usually the largest and most important investment in a pottery studio. Its performance and efficiency are crucial. As durable as a kiln appears, the most vulnerable and important part is the top layer of brick. KilnShield® provides a hard, smooth surface that protects the brick from the friction of daily wear.
Life of the Kiln
An important and often overlooked factor of kiln longevity is the seal between the top layer of brick and the lid. A good tight seal is crucial for energy efficient firings and proper venting of fumes. In addition to firing temperature and frequency, fumes escaping due to deteriorated top layer bricks is the largest contributor to kiln damage.
The Human
If you have ever unloaded a kiln, you know the discomfort of bending over the lip of the kiln when reaching into the very bottom. The kiln's metal sheeting and brick press into your torso, and depending on your height, you may feel off balance standing on your toes. KilnShield® allows you to rest your weight safely at the top of the kiln without damaging bricks. More comfort, less back strain.