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Enameling is the technique used to cover metal with coloured glass in order
to produce stunning pieces of jewellery and decorative items. The glass, which
is usually used in a powdered form, is fused to the metal by heat to form a
strong bond between the two materials.
Methods of Enameling
Traditional methods of
enameling are always referred to by their
French name.
Cloisonné
This technique involves mapping out the design on a metal base with thin
copper or silver wire. The enamel is then placed around this framework and held
in place by soldering or firing.
The firing process is slightly more complex as it involves the piece being
fired three times before the design is complete.
Champlevé
Here the design is created by either etching it into the surface of the
metal, or by building up thicknesses of metal. The enamels are then applied and
fired.
Plique à jour
This method produces a result similar to stained glass. The design is cut out
of the metal and the holes backed with mica. This is removed once the enamels
have been fired into place.
Contre-émail
This describes the technique used for
enameling both sides of an object. The
underside of the piece must first be enamelled and allowed to cool before the
top surface can be worked on. In order to fire the top surface, the piece is set
on a ceramic tripod, or a metal furniture glide, to avoid the underside sticking
to the firing tray. If the base is very thin or large it may warp - this in
itself can add interest to a design.
Materials
The most widely used metal in
enameling is copper as it is reasonably cheap
and very easy to shape. Silver and gold are also popular. Brass however, is
unsuitable as its melting point is too close to that of the enamel.
Both opaque and transparent enamels are used in
enameling. Each is applied
in the same way, however, opaque enamel completely conceals the base metal it
covers, whereas transparent enamel allows the metal to show through. Enamel
usually comes in the form of a fine powder that is dusted on to the metal. After
firing, the enamel sets to a shiny, smooth surface.
 Enameling
The metal is cleansed thoroughly in a wash usually a mixture of wine vinegar
and salt before the enamel is applied and the surface of the metal design
smoothed with an emery cloth and rinsed in water. From then on, it must be
handled with wooden or copper tongs to prevent dirt which will prevent enamels
from fusing.
Enamel powder can be mixed with water and painted on as a paste, sprinkled on
to the base through a fine sieve or trailed on using sifting tubes.
Alternatively, prepared strands of enamel frit can be laid on the surface with
tweezers. A combination of these methods may also be used.
To keep the enamels in place while the pattern is formed, the metal surface
may be coated with a thin layer of glue. The enamels are applied as evenly as
possible because too much in any place can cause a crack or a lump to appear and
too little means that the enamel may burn off during firing. Once the enamel has
been applied, the piece is set aside to dry before firing - if wet, particles of
powder may pop off.
The kiln is pre-heated to 850'c. Enamels are generally fired for two minutes,
however some shades may vary - for example, red fires slightly faster than blue.
Once a piece of work is fired and cooled, it is dipped quickly into a wash to
remove any oxides that may have accumulated. The finished piece is then rinsed
in water and dried. If required, the work can now be re-fired to create different
effects by using additional, thinner layers of enamels on top of the first.
When working with enamel, bear in mind that it is in fact, glass and can
therefore be an irritant, so care must be taken to keep it away from your hands
and mouth.
Courses
If you offer enameling
courses / evening classes / demonstrations -
please contact us to advertise your details here.
The only restriction to enamelwork is your own imagination, with just a
little practise you will soon be producing objects and jewellery in a huge
variety of designs and shapes.
To learn proper enameling
techniques the best starting point is to
contact polytechnics / art schools / workshops to see if they have any organized
courses.
If you are inspired to become professional in
enameling, you could also
consider a trade apprenticeship.
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