-
Enamels and Enamelling
After playing with numerous ways of adding colour to my work I've finally come to the (inevitable) conclusion that I have to learn enamelling. At least it will make use of my poor virginal 4 year old kiln!
Actually, the kiln is no longer virginal, cos I've started playing already - I'm putting together a sampler of how different transparent colours look depending on what they are laid over - so clear flux, foil, nothing, and white.
So far, I've counter-enamelled 20 copper rectangles ready for starting the 'real' colour work. And already I have questions, to which I'm not sure if there are concrete answers. I know Carole enamels but I'm not sure about anybody else but I'd like input from everybody who knows something no matter how tiny that something might be.
- I've noticed that different colours seem to need varying amounts of time in the kiln, is there any rule of thumb of determining this in advance or is it a matter of trial and error followed by experience
- The same goes with kiln temperature - I've set my kiln at 800 degrees C; there was such a variety of temperatures given on different websites and books and 800 seemed to be about the median.
- Do you finish your enamels off by rubbing them down (grinding more like) at the end?
Thank you
x
Di x
-
Hi Di,
1. I think you've hit the nail on the head.
2. 800's fine for opaques on copper. For transparents on silver I generally go up to 830.
3. I'd only grind down if I had a metal edge (cloison) to grind down to. If you're sifting onto copper, I wouldn't bother.
-
I am waiting for my kiln to arrive Di, it is due around the 20th. I have the enamels and stuff ready to start and I am currently resisting the temptation to have a go with the torch.......... taps fingers :0)
I have never tried it and will have to go by that which I have been told and read about, still it is quite exciting.
-
Thanks Carole - I ain't arf enjoying meself!
Di x
-
Cornelius (that is your name isn't it?) - I was tempted by the torch too, even bought the book! But that wasn't/isn't the effect I want to achieve so I was very restrained - not something I'm usually very good at. It's a bit like magic - or alchemy at least - and it all happens so quickly. Superficially it is very very easy but I suspect to get the results I'm looking for it will take a lot of practice and lots of swearing
Di x
-
I love it too but it gets a bit more stressful on silver. I've discovered that I can make little cups to hold enamel with my hydraulic press, which means I don't have to worry about solder ruining my piece.
-
Yes it is Di
and oh noes more stressful on silver yikes!!!!
-
Carole, I was always jealous of your hydraulic press - I'm even more so now!
Di x
-
Di, get yourself some half round scorpers and have a go at cutting your patterns and enamel edges. Check out this V&A video, it shows Jane Short enamelling a brooch and you can see her using a half round scorper for cutting and texturing.
All of my translucent enamelled flowers have had textures cut on their petals by me pre enamelling. Not my enamelling though, I have expert friends who specialize in enamelling. I know you have my book Di, but for those who do not here are a couple of photos of my flowers.
James
Last edited by Goldsmith; 13-06-2012 at 07:35 AM.
-
Thanks James - I knew you'd pop your head over the parapet on this one (because of the spectacular enamelling your friends have applied to your work)
Di x
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
Bookmarks