How to: Metal Enameling
Enameling, a craft performed by artisans, has been around for centuries. This ancient craft refers to fusing glass to metal with the use of many tools and high temperatures to create various decorative pieces. One of the various methods used to enamel metal is known as the French cloisonne process. This process utilizes metal wires to form a raised design or pattern on a metal piece. Although enameling is usually performed by professionals, you can practice enameling on metal objects and plates before moving onto precious metals.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Clean cloths
- Metal object
- Glass glue
- Spray bottle
- Copper jeweler's wire
- Enamel powders in various colors
- Enameler's spoon
- Tweezers
- Kiln
Instructions
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1
Clean the metal object thoroughly with soap and a clean cloth. Dry the object with a second clean cloth.
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2
Combine 50% glass glue with 50% water in a spray bottle. Spray the metal object on the area you will be enameling. Apply only a thin layer of the mixture.
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Place the copper jeweler's wire on the metal piece. Arrange the wire in the desired pattern.
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4
Apply the enamel powders to your design. Add the powders in the raised areas of your design with tweezers and a small enameler's spoon. Keep the powder within the metal lines created by the copper wire.
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Heat the kiln to a temperature of approximately 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the metal piece in the kiln.
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Check the piece after approximately 5 minutes. Do not leave the piece unattended. Although the enamel should bake within 10 minutes, remove the piece once the enamels have melted.
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Allow the piece to cool. Examine the metal piece and colors. If you are dissatisfied with the colors, repeat the enameling procedures by adding powder where necessary and baking the powders in the kiln.
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References
- Jean Tudor Enamels: The Art of Enameling: A Brief History of Enameling
- "Enamelling on Precious Metals"; Jeanne Werge-Heartley; August 2002
- KC Enamels: What is Enameling?
- "Enameling on Metal: The Art and Craft of Enameling on Metal Explained Clearly and Precisely"; Nuria Lopez-Ribalta, et al.; August 2010
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
