Help!...Seeing red over enamels!!
Having rediscovered an old stash of enamel powders last week and having great results with the random blue one I picked out, I have done some samples with the others...somewhat less successfully!!:mad:
I know enamels do deteriorate with age and I haven't used these for years - so it might be that - but it seems to be the red, brown and purple colours that are just turning out yukky and I know reds can burn out if the temperature is too high.
I do have an enameling book upstairs - but it is so much more fun to get it from you...the hands on experts!;)
I fired the blue successfully at 800 this morning (I went for the middle of a range suggested by a website on enameling) ...should I go lower for the reds and purples?
Any insight on the firing of enamels for a relative beginner would be great!:D
Barbara
Thanks Nic...I knew I'd get an answer!!
Thanks Nic, I'll have to have a rummage through my collection of cobweb covered pots to see if I have a clear flux. It was only a beginners kit from years and years ago so I can't remember what is in there. I can see a lot of potential in enamels with fine silver and pmc...as far as I'm concerned anyway...not that I'm that lazy but I hate all the cleaning up between firings on oxidising metals..it's so soul destroying! You don't lose the flow (or the will to live!!) with fine silver! I'll do a bit more playing with the blues anyway and then I'll invest in a few new colours. I don't think I can afford the Cooksons new kits though.:(
I've just done another ring design- it's in the tumbler now - and a new batch of fine silver sheet was delivered from Cooksons yesterday... (beams with glee!)
Barbara
Thanks for your advice...
Thank you both. I've had a little play on some 'scrap':o pmc with the flux and the colours have come up much better...still a bit muted pehaps but that could be because of their age! I like them anyway so might have a go in a ring tomorrow and risk wasting a ring liner and pmc - gulp!
Barbara
Yep - I might stick with the blues..and greens...
I'm really into the transparents at the moment and have just found an emerald green colour which I will have a serious go with tomorrow. I didn't think it would look good with the silver but my scrap sample looks great! And now I've seen your little Bleujenn Hammered link bracelet I might reconsider the opaques too!!;)
Barbara