How to Use Sifting Enamels in Fused Glass Art
Glass sifting enamels are a great way to add color to your fused glass designs. This tutorial will explain how to use glass sifting enamels (such as the Thompson sifting enamels) on fusible glass (such as bullseye glass) to make stunning fused glass beads, hand crafted jewelry and original glass art.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Fused glass kiln
- Glass sifting enamels
- COE compatible glass for fusing
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1
Sifters.
Gather your tools, materials and glass fusing supplies. Sketch out a design.
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2
Begin the project by cutting a piece of fusible glass to the size needed for your project. This piece of glass will be the base plate. We used bullseye glass and Thompson enamels in this project, but any COE compatible glass designed for fusing is fine.
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3
Draw your design with a sharpie marker unto the piece of glass. Note that it is easiest to use clear glass at this stage because you can place the glass over your design and trace it onto the glass.
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4
Line sifter.
Turn the glass over so that the sharpie is facing down. Your design will be reversed, so bear that in mind when both designing and tracing. Place some enamel in a line sifter over the outline of your design. The enamel may be black if you want to outline your design in black. If you do not want a black outline, you should use the color enamel planned for each part of the design.
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5
Clay shaping tools in different shapes and sizes.
To thicken and even out this line, place some additional enamel powder in the middle of the glass and push it with the eraser of a number 2 pencil or a clay shaping tool to the thin line of enamel powder created by the line sifter. The marks of the sharpie should be covered when you are complete.
Note that sifting enamels are ground finer than glass powder and will result in more intense color with less product. You will need to use significantly less enamel than your would powder to achieve the same color intensity.
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6
Enamels.
Add a thin layer of enamels in the center of the design to complete the picture. Remember that enamels are more intense than glass powder and so a lot less is needed.
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7
Paragon kiln.
Place the enameled piece in the prepared glass kiln. Fire using the following schedule as a guide:
Ramp ºF/Hr Target temperature Hold for
1 350 1550 10
2 Full 960 15
3 150 700 0
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sifting enamels can be fired in multiple firings.
Oil, water or water friendly medium can be added to enamels in order to paint the design. Many companies make enamels (some pre-mixed) that are specifically designed for painting. These medium can be purchased at a stained glass store or where glass fusing supplies are sold.
After the design is complete, the enamel on glass painting can be slumped to become a fused glass plate, bowl or vessel.
Be sure the glass enamels you use are COE compatible with the fusible glass you chose.
Be sure your fired objects have returned to room temperature before removing from the kiln. Removing the items from the kiln before they are at room temperature may cause then to shatter, even if they are not to hot to touch.
Never leave a kiln unattended when firing.
Use fire safety protection measures.
Be sure to wear a dust mask when working with enamels and powdered glass.
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- Photo Credit © GeltDesigns 2009 All rights reserved.
