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Does anyone re-use 1/8" fiber paper? I have been saving it for a few years with the thought of using it again. Can I use it dry? Or should I wet it to shape, then dry out before using? Anyone do this?
Cate

yes, but it's lost its stiffness. you could wet it with a sugar solution (7up), roll it out flat, and let it dry (or use a slab roller if you have access to a ceramic's shop).

i use wads of it as filler in bottle necks if i'm flattening a bunch for friends.

Thanks, Charlie. I was actually going to mound it up and fuse something over it.
Cate

I am a big fan of Unifrax 1/4" blanket. I use the fibers from this over and over for many different kinds of molds. The fiber from papers is not very good for keeping it's shape. The blanket is great.

Thanks Bert. I don't know what type of stuff I have; It's not paper though. It is soft after firing and I thought I would turn a ceramic mold upside down and use this spent paper/blanket to cover the mold. I need this mold for the shape I need for my glass piece. I would like to get it as smooth as I can, so I wondered if I should use some kind of binder to make it easier to mold. I was going to spray it with kiln wash , too.
Cate

I get smoother by using very finely ground alumina hydrate, like JM Huber SB432. However you can't really get smooth when the mold is on contact with something solid. I know people struggle with this impossible task. My personal approach is: If I can't get rid of texture, make it interesting, and make it an integral part of my design. This works much better for me than, "almost smooth but not quite there". The alternative is to do drop molds and cut the top off.

Good idea about the texture. I was thinking I will never get it smooth. I'm going to try it and see what happens.
Thanks,
Cate

I sometimes use spent fiber in refractory molds, for reinforcement. Works very well, also tends to aerate the mold mix a bit.

I would really like to take a class in mold making. Haven't seen any available near me in a while.
Cate