I have used various transparent reds in the Thompson Enamel line with varying results. I have managed to get some beautiful reds a few times direct on copper (I wish I knew what I did), but have not been able to repeat results consistently.  I understand layering reds over clears can work too, but I find they usually they are so pale that they are barely even pink. I would love to hear tips and techniques for achieving good results using any Thompson Lead-free transparent red directly on copper, and layering them over other transparent enamels.

Helene,

Have you tried Thompson's "Orange Red Ruby" #2830 - I love the deep cherry red- and I have applied it directly on copper.  It is also very helpful to gain a rich color red by applying gold foil underneath.

I was taught to study the layering of various transparent colors over each other by using various samples of stain glass - or better yet, mylar sheets of various colors - once you lay one color over another, you can see how differently the color on top will look.

I have tried #2830, but haven't achieved a deep cherry red, consistently. I have a feeling I am not firing it correctly. Over clear it is clear, and on copper it usually goes dark and opaque. On old pennies it is a beautiful pink to red colour.

I have tried layering silver foil under some colours, but I find it goes quite crinkly, and sometimes floats up. I haven't tried the gold yet, but thanks for the tip!

Helene, I find that Thompson unleaded transparent reds seem to get darker each time I fire them.  The first firing is perfect, then it goes downhill from there.  I save the reds to the very end, only fire them to orange peel, and a few times as possible.  I also fire gold foil under them.  They seem to be tricky colors to get right.  Jim

Thanks for the tips.

Trish,
Thanks for the tip on layering samples of stained glass or mylar sheets.