Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Removing Enamel

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    28

    Question Removing Enamel

    Does anyone have any advice on removing overfired enamel from the areas that I can't reach with a file on an intricate fine silver piece? It's a pendant in the shape of a cherry blossom branch with lots of little flowers that were enamelled for a little too long - it was one of my first attempts at enamelling, and whilst I'm still no better at it I thought I should try and salvage this little piece.

    (Sorry if it has been asked before, I did a search but the results were all over the place!)

    Thank you!
    _______________________________
    JasminStudio.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    To strip hard fired enamels a professional enameller would use hydrofluoric acid, this highly corrosive acid will dissolve glass but it should not be used by amatuers. If you have an enameler tutor get them to strip the piece for you. This acid should only be used by someone who knows what they are doing.
    James

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Market Deeping
    Posts
    2,693

    Default

    If it's flat enamel you could try thermal shock....
    Heat the piece red hot then quickly drop into a steel pot filled with iced water
    if that doesn't work then some folks have found that using cream of tartar can help.
    The technique is described in enamelling on metal clay by Pam East
    Nic x
    Monthly FREE entry giveaways on Blogs!
    Shop Blog: http://muranosilver.blogspot.com/
    Silver Clay Blog: http://pmctips.blogspot.com/
    View images of my work on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/muranosilver

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    28

    Default

    My Amazon wish list grows and grows...! I'll try the home-friendly remedies first, and if that fails, I will track down someone who can try the acid method for me. Thank you so much James and Nic - I don't know what I would do without this forum!
    Jasmin
    _______________________________
    JasminStudio.com

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •