Hi,

Has anyone had any problems using the carefree lusters on leaded thompsons?  I've tried it with a few different colors now (heliotrope, apple, and brilliant blue), and it's always fine up until the lusters are fired on in the final firing.  Then all of the pieces have developed several large and deep cracks.  I've used the lusters on not leaded thompsons, as well as on leaded enamels from other manufacturers and had no problems.  I am using 18 gauge copper 2 inch discs, have tried both flat and domed, and use thin layers of enamel with an equal amount of enamel on the back as counter.  I have brought up this issue with some of the instructors at the local arts center and they can't figure out why it's not working either.  Any help would be appreciated.

I recently started using lusters over Foundation White, unleaded enamel on copper.  I fired them at approx. 1300 for 3 to 4 minutes.  When I didn't fire them long enough, they stayed in the same spot.  I didn't know Thompsons sold leaded enamels.

No I did not enamel over the lusters.  What happens when I enamel over the lusters?

Thank you,

Mary

I believe you would loose the luster quality if you fire over lusters. I would contact Mr. Ellis at Thompson Enamels about your question about the cracking. He's extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.

Thank you for your reply,

Mary