{"product_id":"apex-26-premium-nitride-bonded-silicon-carbide-kiln-shelf-half-dodecagon-shelf-12-sided","title":"Apex 26\" Premium Nitride-Bonded Silicon Carbide Kiln Shelf | Half Dodecagon Shelf (12 sided)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuilt for demanding studio use, this premium nitride-bonded silicon carbide kiln shelf is designed to give ceramic artists and production studios a stronger, lighter, and more efficient kiln furniture option. Traditional kiln shelves can be heavy, thick, difficult to handle, and prone to long-term wear from glaze drips and repeated firings. This Kilncor silicon carbide shelf offers a lightweight design that helps make kiln loading easier while preserving valuable stacking space inside the kiln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thin, lightweight profile makes this shelf especially helpful for top-loading electric kilns, shared studios, schools, and busy production spaces where shelves are moved frequently. Less weight means easier lifting, better handling, and less strain during loading and unloading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dense silicon carbide surface is designed to resist deep glaze penetration better than many porous conventional shelves. Glaze drips, kiln debris, and surface residue should still be cleaned promptly, but the low-porosity surface helps make maintenance more manageable when proper cleanup methods are used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shelf is a strong choice for potters and ceramic businesses that want premium kiln furniture for frequent firings, efficient kiln stacking, and long-term studio use. Whether you are firing mugs, bowls, plates, tiles, ornaments, classroom ceramics, or small-batch production work, this kiln shelf is made for serious ceramic environments where performance matters.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Nitride-Bonded Silicon Carbide Construction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMade from nitride-bonded silicon carbide, this shelf is designed for strength, durability, and dependable use in demanding ceramic firing studios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe thin, lightweight profile makes the shelf easier to lift and position than many traditional kiln shelves. This is especially valuable in top-loading kilns, schools, shared studios, and production spaces where shelves are handled often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSay Goodbye to Warped Shelves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTraditional cordierite kiln shelves warp with repeated firings and require regular flipping to extend their lifespan. Nitride-bonded silicon carbide shelves are engineered to resist warping, so they stay flat through repeated high-temperature firings, eliminating the need to flip them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore Usable Kiln Space\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA thinner shelf profile helps preserve vertical stacking room inside the kiln, allowing users to make better use of available firing space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasier Surface Cleanup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dense, low-porosity surface helps reduce deep glaze penetration compared with many traditional porous shelves. Glaze runs and firing residue should be removed promptly to help maintain a clean working surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Studio Upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA smart kiln furniture upgrade for pottery studios, ceramic classrooms, paint-your-own-pottery businesses, tile makers, production potters, and experienced ceramic artists.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis Kiln Shelf Is Ideal For:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePottery studios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCeramic classrooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePaint-your-own-pottery studios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduction pottery businesses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCeramic artists firing regularly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectric kiln users\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGas Kiln Users\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoda firing environments when properly placed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKiln furniture replacement and upgrades\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudios looking for lighter, thinner kiln shelves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose a Premium Silicon Carbide Kiln Shelf?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kiln shelf is more than just a surface inside the kiln. It affects loading, unloading, stacking space, cleanup, firing efficiency, and the daily workflow of a studio.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy traditional shelves can be difficult to lift, especially in top-loading kilns. Thick shelves also take up valuable interior height. A Kilncor premium nitride-bonded silicon carbide kiln shelf gives studios a lighter, thinner, and more efficient option for repeated firings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor busy studios, the value is not just in the shelf itself. The real benefit is easier handling, better use of kiln space, reduced frustration from glaze cleanup, and a more professional kiln setup.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKiln Wash \u0026amp; Surface Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not recommend using kiln wash with Kilncor shelves. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoading \u0026amp; Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA three-point stacking system is recommended for stability and even support. Three points create a stable plane and help reduce uneven stress on the shelf.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse properly sized kiln posts that are rated for your firing temperature and kiln environment. Avoid oversized posts that create large contact areas against the shelf, as this may contribute to uneven heating or cooling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not touch the kiln shelf while the kiln is in operation. The kiln shelf should only be handled when the kiln is completely turned off. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiln shelves should be kept a minimum of 0.5” from all sides of the kiln. The kiln shelf should never touch the sides of the kiln or the kiln heating elements.     \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElectric Kiln Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kiln shelf may be suitable for many electric kiln applications when correctly sized and used properly. Always choose the correct shelf size for your kiln and maintain proper clearance from kiln walls, element grooves, thermocouples, and heating elements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not use a shelf that touches the kiln walls or elements. Make sure your kiln is in good repair, with no loose, sagging, or protruding elements. Kiln shelves should be kept a minimum of 0.5” from all sides of the kiln.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever reach into an energized kiln. Always turn the kiln off before loading, unloading, adjusting, or inspecting kiln furniture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor larger shelves in electric kilns, slower firing schedules are recommended to help reduce thermal stress from uneven heating.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGas, Soda \u0026amp; Atmospheric Firing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shelf may be suitable for many gas and soda firing applications when properly placed and fired. Avoid direct flame impingement, especially early in the firing, and do not place shelves where one area will heat or cool much faster than the rest of the shelf.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn soda firing, avoid spraying liquid soda directly onto the shelf surface. Sudden localized cooling may create thermal stress. Introduce soda in a way that disperses through the kiln atmosphere rather than striking the shelf directly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor wood firing or high-flame areas, placement should be evaluated carefully. Areas with direct flame contact, strong temperature gradients, or uneven cooling may require a thicker conventional silicon carbide shelf.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaku Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kiln shelf is not recommended for raku firing. Raku firing often involves rapid, uneven heating and direct flame exposure, which may cause thermal shock and shelf failure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Moisture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore shelves indoors in a dry, enclosed area. Do not store directly on concrete floors, wet surfaces, bare ground, areas prone to humidity or anywhere exposed to rain, standing water, condensation, or prolonged moisture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese shelves should be stored indoors in a dry location. Keep them off bare concrete floors and away from moisture sources. Shelves should not be exposed to prolonged periods of moisture, such as rain, standing water, condensation, wet floors, or outdoor storage. Before using a shelf in the kiln, ensure it is completely dry. Any retained moisture can expand into steam as the kiln heats, potentially causing critical shelf failure during the firing cycle. For this reason, shelves should never be placed in the kiln while wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf a shelf has been exposed to prolonged moisture or you suspect water has entered the shelf, do not fire it normally. A controlled dry-out procedure will be required before returning the shelf to standard firing temperatures. If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend reaching out to the Kilncor customer service team before using the shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying Procedure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePosition shelves with a minimum clearance of 1 in. between each level using kiln posts. An electric kiln is recommended to ensure accurate temperature control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom ambient temperature, heat the kiln to 190°F at a controlled rate of 50°F per hour. Maintain this temperature for 24 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncrease the temperature to 210°F at 50°F per hour. Maintain this temperature for 12 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContinue heating to 230°F at the same rate of 50°F per hour. Begin the 12-hour soak only after the entire kiln load has reached the target temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncrease the kiln temperature to the required final soak temperature within the range of 350–500°F at a rate of 100°F per hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain the selected final soak temperature for a minimum of 18 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon completion of the heat treatment cycle, switch off the kiln and allow it to cool naturally to ambient temperature. Do not use forced cooling methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove glaze drips, clay residue, and firing debris as soon as possible. Light residue can often be removed with a Kilncor GlazeFile Kiln Shelf Restoration Tool, scraper, sandpaper, or abrasive cleaning block. Heavier buildup may require careful grinding with proper safety protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways wear appropriate eye, hand, and respiratory protection when sanding, scraping, or grinding kiln shelves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspect shelves before every firing. Do not use shelves that are cracked, been exposed to moisture, unstable, wet, heavily damaged, or unsafe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Safety Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiln shelf performance depends on proper use, kiln condition, firing schedule, clay body, glaze chemistry, load distribution, storage conditions, and handling. No kiln shelf is indestructible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid thermal shock, direct flame impingement, improper support, prolonged moisture exposure, rapid uneven cooling, and overloading. When unsure, contact your kiln manufacturer, a qualified kiln technician or support@kilncor.com before use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Nitride-bonded silicon carbide\u003cbr\u003eShelf Type: Premium lightweight kiln shelf\u003cbr\u003eShape: Half Dodecagon Shelf (12 sided)\u003cbr\u003eSize: 26” x 13” x 5\/16” \u003cbr\u003eThickness: 5\/16”\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Temperature Rating: 2822 Fahrenheit (1550 Celsius)\u003cbr\u003eRated to Cone 14+\u003cbr\u003eRecommended Support: Three-point stacking system\u003cbr\u003eRecommended Use: Pottery, ceramics, studio firing, school firing, production pottery\u003cbr\u003eKiln Compatibility: Electric, gas, and select atmospheric firing environments when properly sized and used correctly\u003cbr\u003eRaku Use: Not recommended\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor use in 12 sided kilns with 3 inch walls\u003cbr\u003eSkutt: 1227, 1627\u003cbr\u003eOlympic: 2818, 2823, 2827, 2831\u003cbr\u003eCone Art: 2118D, 2822D, 2827D\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranties\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll kiln shelves are sold as is. No warranties are expressed or implied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers are responsible for inspecting their shipment immediately upon arrival. Any shipping related damage must be reported within 24 hours of the package being marked as delivered by the carrier's tracking information. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChips, firing marks, pinholes and other factory flaws are not considered as damage. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/Kilncor_Apex_Allowable_Defect_Image_1.jpg?v=1784745557\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/Kilncor_Apex_Allowable_Defect_Image_2.jpg?v=1784745558\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/Kilncor_Apex_Allowable_Defect_Image_5.jpg?v=1785331416\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/Kilncor_Apex_Allowable_Defect_Image_3.jpg?v=1784745557\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/Kilncor_Apex_Allowable_Defect_Image_4.jpg?v=1785331416\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo submit a shipping damage claim, customers must:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotify us within 24 hours of the recorded delivery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide clear images of the damaged product, the packaging (including the shipping label) and any visible damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmail documentation to support@kilncor.com \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaims submitted after the 24 hour reporting period or without sufficient photographic documentation will not be eligible for review. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kilncor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46421984903318,"sku":"KC-KC26H","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/4785\/5766\/files\/KC-KC26H_Image_3.jpg?v=1784829545","url":"https:\/\/kilncor.com\/products\/apex-26-premium-nitride-bonded-silicon-carbide-kiln-shelf-half-dodecagon-shelf-12-sided","provider":"Kilncor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}