How to Bake Enamel on Metal

Enameling dates back at least to the 13th century BC.

The process of enameling pertains to fusing glass to metal under a high temperature for decorative purposes. Artisans use a variety of techniques to apply enamel, and one of the most common forms is the French cloisonne process. In this process, artisans use metal wires to form a raised pattern or design on the piece to be decorated, into which they inlay enamel of different colors and then bake the piece. Like all forms of art, enameling takes practice to perfect. Before trying to enamel on expensive precious metal objects, practice on cheap metal plates and dishes.

Things You'll Need

• Metal dish
• Glass glue
• Spray bottle
• Copper jeweler's wire
• Enamel powders
• Enameler's spoon
• Tweezers
• Kiln

Instructions

1. Clean the metal object you will be enameling thoroughly.

2. Mix a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent glass glue, and put it in a spray bottle.

3. Spray the area you will be enameling with a fine layer of the glass glue mixture. This solution will hold the wire and enamel powders in place prior to your placing the piece in the kiln.

4. Arrange your copper jeweler's wire in the desired pattern on the metal piece.

5. Apply your colored glass enamel powders into the raised areas of your design, using a small enameler's spoon and tweezers. Think of this as painting by numbers and keep your colors within the metal lines you created.

6. Move your piece to the kiln, which should be heated to a temperature of 1,600 F.

7. Remove the piece once the enamels have all melted or baked, and allow to cool. The baking process should take around 10 minutes. Do not leave the piece unattended and check after 5 minutes.

8. Examine the piece. If some of the colors are not as vibrant as you would like, add more glass enamel powders where necessary and fire in the kiln again. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the enamel colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the piece cool naturally. Trying to accelerate the cooling process may crack your enamel.

References

• KC Enamels: what is Enameling?
• "Enamelling on Precious Metals": Jeanne Werge-Hartley: 2011
• "Enameling on Metal: The Art and Craft of Enameling on Metal Explained Clearly and Precisely": Nuria Lopez-Ribalta: 2010
• Jean Tudor Enamels: Art of Enameling: A Brief History of Enamels

Resources

• "Enamelling": Ruth Ball: 2011
• Glass Fusing Made Easy: Klyr-Fire Glue