Have you ever tried to make at first a coat of white opaque? After firing the white, fire the red coat over it. Fire the red with the lowest temperature which is possible.

I don't know, whether you use lead bearing or lead free enamels. In lead bearing enamels nearly all manufacturers have very brilliant opaque red. Have a look at your suppliers color charts or ask for a sample.

Thank you for your reply.  I will continue looking for that bright red.

MR

To get a bright red, make sure it is the last color you fire. Each time you fire it, it will darken some.

Thank you for your response.

I will take care to do this,

Mary Rose

Hello Mary Rose,

Reds are tricky to enamel, but not impossible. You need to use a lower temperature than for other colours. I also use Thompson's Woodrow Red, at 760oC. At 780oC, like say the blues or greens it turns dark, or brown even. If you have a kiln with a thermostat you can adjust the temperature precisely. The best thing to do is experiment, make small test pieces and note exactly the results.

I have no experience with reds in enamel brands other than Thompson.

Judith

Thank you Judith for your response.  I will make more tests and watch the results carefully.

Mary Rose

Hello, I am seeking a bright red that does not darken.  Any product, transparent and/or opaque.  I have used Thompson's Orient and Woodrow Red but would like brighter reds.  I understand that red can be a difficult color.

Thank you,

Mary Rose