Copper Enameling Directions
Enameling is the process of melting glass and adhering it to a metal surface. Enameling can be done on copper, silver, gold, and steel. The glass pieces used for enameling can be purchased in a variety of sizes and colors. The two forms of enamels are transparent and opaque. Transparent enamel is called flux and is layered in progressively darker colors during the enameling process. Opaque colors are similar to oil paints and can be applied in any order.
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Things You'll Need
- Scouring sponge
- Scouring powder
- Water
- Mesh
- Paper
- Trivet
- Kiln
- Long-handled fork
Instructions
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1
Moisten a scouring sponge under running water. Sprinkle a small amount of scouring powder on the sponge and rub the surface of the copper piece until it is shiny. Place the copper on a flat surface and allow it to dry.
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2
Lay a piece of paper on a flat surface. Gather four corners of a piece of mesh in one hand to form a pouch. Hold the pouch over the paper. Pour a small amount of enamel powder into the pouch.
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3
Move the mesh pouch over the copper and gently shake the mesh pouch to evenly cover the surface of the copper. The thickness of the enamel on the copper should be the same thickness as the copper piece that you are working on.
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4
Balance the copper on a trivet so that the back is exposed. Heat a kiln until the temperature is between 750 and 820 degrees Celsius.
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5
Slide the copper with its enamel coating into the kiln with a long-handled fork. Fire flux coating until it is melted and bright orange. Opaque enamel should be fired until the surface has the texture of an orange peel. Firing time will usually be relatively short and range from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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6
Remove the copper piece from the kiln with the fork and place it on a heat proof surface. Allow the copper and enamel covering to cool completely. The cooling process will take approximately 10 minutes. If the enameling of the piece has fused to the trivet you should allow the piece to cool so that it gently releases from the trivet. Forcing the piece out of the trivet will cause damage to your piece.
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7
Turn the copper piece over and follow steps 1 through 5 to enamel the back. This enamel layer on this side of the copper should be 1 1/2 times the copper thickness.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The mesh that you use to spread the enamel powder must be fine enough to allow the enamel pieces to be released with gentle shaking. If too much or too little enamel is being released from the mesh, change to a tighter or looser weave as needed. The kiln should be bright yellow when the copper is fired to ensure adequate melting of the enamel.
References
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