Enameling

Enamel is a silicate that when fired with intense heat melts and fuses to metal. Various oxides create the range of enamel colors and there are various properties to enamels and methods of application. There are three different types of enamels: transparent, opaque and opalescent. Transparent enamels allow light and color to pass through to the metal surface below whereas opaque enamels bounce light off the face of the enamel. Opalescent enamels create a similar surface effect to that of an opal stone, refracting the light as it passes through to the metal's surface.

Typically enamels are purchased in a powdered state but can come in a range of other forms such as lumps, strings, and paints. Some artists prefer to grind their own enamels from lump form to achieve better color quality as pre-ground enamels can over time loose their brightness. Enamels can be applied to fine silver, gold, platinum, and copper but with copper the surface must be undercoated to prevent discoloration from oxidization. The surface of the metal can be scored or etched to create texture and patterning under transparent enamels.

When working with powdered enamels it is important to properly prepare the metal as well as the enamels prior to firing. Enamels are thoroughly rinsed to remove debris and then packed either wet or dry into cells. They can also be used freeform on the metal's surface. The enamel is gently heated to eliminate any remaining moisture and lightly tapped to fill potential air pockets. The piece is then fired on either a hot plate or in a kiln at a temperature ranging from 1200 - 1650° F depending on the firing temperature of the enamels. The length of firing also depends on the kind or type of enamel because under-or over-firing can dull or burn the coloring. The piece is removed from the heat and placed on a heat-resistant surface to cool.

Enamel pieces typically require multiple layers of enamels to build up the necessary thickness on the metals surface or within the cells. With each layer the excess enamel must be removed from the previous firing and then new enamel applied, dried, and re-fired. When the layering is complete the piece is typically hand polished with increasing grades of wet-dry sand paper until the desired finish has been achieved.

There are a range of techniques used for applying enamels including champleve, cloisonné, plique a jour, grisaille, and painting. Champleve is the application of enamel into recesses on the surface of the metal. Cloisonné involves bending thin cloisonné wires of either gold or silver to create cells on the surface of the metal in which to pack the enamel. Plique a jour is a process where enamel is packed into cells created by piecework or suspended cloisonné wires creating a transparent wall of enamel. Grisaille is the gradual application of white enamel on a black enamel surface to build up an image or design. Painting involves finely ground enamel that is applied with a brush similar to standard paints, which works well for achieving fine detail.