SilkeMat Fiber Blanket

SilkeMat fiber blanket for fusing and slumping
90×50 cm, 6,4 mm thick

SilkeMat is a non-carcinogenic refractory fiber blanket that can be cut, molded, formed, and rigidized (if desired) and can be used multiple times! Easy to handle and easy to cut, it leaves little to no residue on the glass.

Silkemat will shrink slightly with the first firing (approximately 5%) but will not change with further firings. PELI Glass uses SilkeMat to make molds for creating new pieces for the restoration of Amsterdam School lamps. Therefore the precise size of the mold is important and the SilkeMat must be pre-fired (and shrunk) before fitting to the lamp piece and using the rigidizer. PELI Glass cuts the SilkeMat fiber blanket allowing approximately 4 cm (1.6 inches) around all sides of the needed mold size. Importantly, PELI Glass layers two pieces of the SilkeMat fiber blanket to create a sturdy mold.
Program to pre-fire (and shrink) SilkeMat fiber blanket (time to temperature, temperature, time at temperature):
1. 45 minutes, 450°C (840°F), 10 minutes with peepholes open, then close peepholes at end of this step
2. 45 minutes, 788°C (1450°F), 20 minutes, then kiln off and allow to cool.

A high-grade boron nitride separator is suggested for a cleaner release from the glass when exceeding 760°C (1400°F) on rigidized SilkeMat. There are no tiny bits of silica in this product and most firings are clean, leaving only the texture of the fiber on the glass. A respirator is NOT needed to cut or work with SilkeMat. The desired size can be cut from the roll.

Combine with the SilkeMat Rigidizer.

SilkeMat Basic Information
SilkeMat MSDS
SilkeMat Powder Rigidizer Instructions
SilkeMat Powder Rigidizer MSDS