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Thread: Clear Enamel for Silver

  1. #1
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    Default Clear Enamel for Silver

    Hello all,

    I just have a question about clear enamel, I'm currently teaching myself enamelling and as it goes when I'm teaching myself anything it results in many mistakes! I want to do some counter-enamelling of pendants I'm working on in clear as I'd rather not cover all the lovely silver. I tested one by using a clear flux by WG Ball. Unfortunately after firing it is quite yellow - would anyone know if there are any clear enamels available that will fire completely clear??

  2. #2
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  3. #3
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    Default

    I used a kiln, at about 790C for 2 minutes each firing. I did the counter enamel first then after cooling flipped it over and enamelled the front.

  4. #4
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    I'm not sure I can help you Sandra. I've used the Schauer as a base for some cloisonne and I don't remember seeing any yellow tint.

    Are you using sterling or fine silver? If it's sterling have you removed any surface copper/firescale with nitric acid or depletion guilding? This can react with the enamel.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by alastairduncan View Post
    I'm not sure I can help you Sandra. I've used the Schauer as a base for some cloisonne and I don't remember seeing any yellow tint.

    Are you using sterling or fine silver? If it's sterling have you removed any surface copper/firescale with nitric acid or depletion guilding? This can react with the enamel.
    Alastair I am using fine silver for this project. I think maybe I should try a different clear enamel, I will look at the one you mentioned, thanks!

  6. #6
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    Schauer have 6 different fluxes, its a minefield, I should imagine W.G. Ball are the same. You might try contacting them and they may be able to advise on an appropriate flux for your purpose.

  7. #7
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    This popped into my Instagram feed today, it has the properties of a number of different fluxes. You will have to hit the translate link. Hope it helps.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCdTnZeirOa
    Last edited by alastairduncan; 10-07-2020 at 03:37 PM.

  8. #8
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    Red face

    Quote Originally Posted by alastairduncan View Post
    This popped into my Instagram feed today, it has the properties of a number of different fluxes. You will have to hit the translate link. Hope it helps.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCdTnZeirOa
    Wow thanks for that! I am able to see exactly what I need now - the 2020 Thompson clear for silver. Next mission is to find it!

  9. #9
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    The post is not a complete list and your processes may differ so I would recommend a test but I'm sure you would do this anyway. You may be able to get a small sample from a supplier.

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