Hi, I’m new here and love working with enamel.

I have never really cracked the code when it comes to transparent pinks over clear on fine silver. There is always a faint yellow tinge in parts.

I have used Thompson lead-free 2810 geranium and 2820 pink over 2020 clear.

I have also tried Ninomiya lead-bearing very Pale Pink over clear flux.

I usually wet pack and kiln fire at 800 degrees C for 2 mins. The pieces are fine silver.

I was taught that pinks and reds hate silver but thought the clear underneath should protect them. Should I fire two coats of clear and one thin coat of the pink?

I’d be grateful for any insight, thank you.
This post was edited by Robyn Clarke at February 11, 2020 5:22 AM EST

Thanks Trish, yep I definitely get that sinking feeling as the piece cools and the yellowing shows up.

I will test some pieces at shorter firing times and see how I go. Unfortunately the design of my current work means the pink will come in to contact with the silver edge so pink may not be an option.

Robyn, Yes , pinks don't like silver. i have been taught to built up extra layers between the metal and the pink.

so it goes: n-3 holds the wirework-on silver------next Ninomaya N13 or h13 under any pink.

extra layer to protect pink could be light grey or light blue, do not over fire (time-temp.)

I have not tried the latter, but will make it a point to try it !! Ingrid Regula

This post was edited by Ingrid Regula at February 20, 2020 10:23 AM EST

Hi Robyn, If you are able/willing to use leaded enamels, try G701 (not G701C) from enamelartsupply.com. It is more robust and holds up better than the other pinks.

If you still get some yellowing next to your silver wires after multiple firings, try adding the pink towards the end (either a very thick layer, or over layers of flux or n55).  Amy Roper Lyons

I recently used germanium pink over silver foil over Thompson 2020 and had good results.  I have had the problem of pink, 2820 over foil and it turning into a light gold. 

Thank you Amy I’ll try that - which brand is it and I’ll see if my local supplier has it.

Yes Mary - the yellowing is a pain.