Originally Posted by
TheEnameller
Hey Medusa, don't take this as gospel because I'm by no means an expert and I've never attempted to repair any enamel. But I think I remember reading that you're not supposed to attempt to repair old pieces by putting them in the kiln.
Or do you mean that you've taken it back to bare metal and completely re-applied the enamel.
If so, it sounds like you're putting on too much enamel. When it melts, it can spread out when it's piled up. Keep it thin.
If painting, like I say, you have to mix it to the consistency of oil paints and apply it with a paint brush like you would if you were painting on canvas. Cake it on too think and it will blur. It's also a good idea to leave it to dry on top of the kiln before putting it in.
For painted enamel, I've found it a good idea to put it in the kiln at 680c, then let it go back up after the temperature drop to 720c, this is when I take it out. This will be a lower temp than your opaque enamel base which will be anywhere between 730c to 780c.
When I come back next week, let me know if I can help further, because I'm not sure I've answered you correctly.
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