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enamelling a folded 3d shape

  • Ann Hume
    • 3 posts
    April 3, 2022 1:21 PM EDT

    I am new to enamelling.

    Any advice/tips on enamelling this shape? (see pic) I've tried wet packing but it has been tricky to get an even cover. Also used Klyrfire and sifting but then had a lot of clean up on parts I didn't want enamel. It is taking 4+ firings  to get  reasonable cover, but still not completely happy with it, very time consuming too. Metal is silver.

    Any suggestions?

  • Trish White
    • Moderator
    • 114 posts
    April 4, 2022 7:01 AM EDT

    Hi Anne,

    I love these earrings.

    You did not mention if you are using transparents or opaques -  I assume transparents.

    Are you applying clear flux as your first layer?

    I would wet pack the earrings one layer at a time- clear flux, dry, fire - next layer of color, dry fire, etc.

    If you are using transparents you will need to apply a few layers to obtain the desired depth in color that you are looking for - the first layer

    is always very transparent - it always looks good once you apply the wet enamels and let them dry - but once they come out of the kiln

    they are very thin - better to be thin then too thick and lumpy - 

    ..... and yes, its a head banger!!

  • Ann Hume
    • 3 posts
    April 4, 2022 8:37 AM EDT

    Thank you very much for your reply and great advice.

    I am actually using opaque enamels. I'm new to it all and haven't even begun to look at transparent enamels. I have bought some but just haven't got to using them yet. I will take your advice and follow that process with transparents.

    Any different advice on the opaque enamels? I'm going to have another go today at the wet packing. Perhaps I need to apply thinner coats.

    Any further advice welcomed.

    Thanks again

    Ann

  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    August 18, 2022 9:31 AM EDT

    Applying wet enamel is a matter of practice. Work as previously described. The enamel pulp should not be too wet. After applying a layer of enamel about 0.5-0.8 mm thick, carefully grasp the part between your thumb and forefinger and tap it with a hard object, e.g. B. tweezers, to the edge of the workpiece. As a result, the enamel layer settles and becomes evenly thick. You have to suck up the excess water with a paper towel. If the piece is not flat, but curved or something like that, the "plan tapping" is a bit difficult!

    Edmund

     

  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    August 18, 2022 9:36 AM EDT

    oh, one more tip. First work with somewhat larger workpieces on copper, e.g.  flat or slightly curved pendants to get a feel for applying and smoothing the enamel. Practice creates masters!

  • Ann Hume
    • 3 posts
    August 18, 2022 10:43 AM EDT
    Thank you, that’s helpful 😊
  • Edmund Massow
    • 77 posts
    August 20, 2022 8:19 AM EDT

    HI Ann,

    <span class="Y2IQFc" lang="en">Please excuse me for reporting in installments. But it is due to my current life situation that I only come to the PC sporadically and <br>for  a few minutes.
Because you are a beginner and if you don't have personal instructions for enamelling, I recommend the book "The Art of Enameling" <br>by Linda Darty. The book is very suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On pages 33-34 you will also find a good guide <br>on how to work with wet enamel. Linda uses color palettes to mix the enamel. I prefer small plastic egg spoons because then you <br>have all the colors you need separately and you can mark the spoon handle with the numbers of the enamel.<br> I wish you a lot success <br>.<img src="/public/album_photo/40/15/01/09a88a20f4f4ce861899e30a31406053.jpg"></span>