What Is Porcelain Enamel?

These pieces both have a porcelain enamel finish that makes them resistant to chips, scratches and burns.

Porcelain enamel, also called, vitreous enamel, is a scratch-resistant coating made by fusing powdered glass to metal and other underlying materials by way of fire. The glass cools to form a smooth and durable coating for a variety of modern uses.

History

Porcelain enameling was first discovered in pottery and jewelry of ancient Egypt. Ancient Romans also used the technique in glass and metal works. Greeks, Chinese and Russians of antiquity also used porcelain enamel on metal.

Benefits

Porcelain enamels provide great wear and abrasive resistance at any thickness, as well as great flexibility for more pliable sub-surfaces. They may be used to lubricate rubber pipes without impairing their flexibility.

Modern Uses

Modern uses for porcelain enamels include nonstick cooking ware, kitchen appliances, classroom writing boards and billboard signs. Graffiti artists, to their dismay, will find porcelain enamel in train stations: The slick finish does not hold many kinds of paint and inks.

References

• Porcelain Enamel Institute: Mechanical and Physical Properties