Hi all - I am new to this group, and grateful for the exposure to all the amazing talent and information here! I've been torch-firing enamels for over a year and just recently got a kiln to start experimenting with kiln-firing. I am really intrigued by some of the things that are possible with liquid enamels and am getting ready to place an order. Can someone help me understand a few things?

1. What is the difference between the liquid form enamels and the liquid form brushable enamels?

2. Can ceramic pigments be added directly to either type of liquid enamel or only to the overglaze colors?

3. If I purchase the overglaze in dry form, what is the best thing to mix it with, oil or water? If oil, what are the pros and cons of the various options?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Francesca

Francesca,

 1) The uses for the two are somewhat different. I use the liquid form enamels in most of my work (numbers 533-940).  I lay in the paint with brushes or sometimes I pour it on a surface. I do use sgraffito in some of my work  and I find they work very well for that.  The medium I use is distilled water. The liquid form brushable enamels can be used to create water color effects.  However, (and I do not practice this technique), I understand that  liquid form brushable enamels will also work as a counter enamel. Paint the surface and then sift 80 mesh into the fresh paint tap (press down lightly with your fingers), wait until it dries (it can be handled) and then enamel the other side in the same manner i.e. you may enamel both sides in one firing and there is very little warping.

(2) My experience with ceramic pigments is very limited so perhaps someone else can address that question.

3) I used A-5 thinning oil with overglazes.  Remember, they need to be fired at a lower temperature. Always let the liquid enamels or overglazes dry before firing. 

I have tried to convey my limited experience.  Others, with more experience and more knowledgeable than I,  may want to help you in your efforts!  Good luck!

Terrie

liquid enamel may be purchased in liquid or dry form. I use the dry form and mix it to the consistency I need for my spray gun. It also saves better in that it won't dry out. If it dry's just use a mortar and pestle to crush it, then add water. Brushable is the same enamel except the sand and enamel are of a finer grit. Once dried you can Sgraffito either of these enamels. I use Thompson liquid form enamels, same as Terries. You don't need distilled water. Regular tap water will due. Don't make things hard for your self. This enamel is real easy to use.  If you want to spray you enamel onto your project use the liquid form, if you don't want to spray, use the paintable, or use the water color, or even the crayons. I don't use overgraze, or ceramic pigments, sorry. Have fun

Charles Winkel    

1. Here what I've learned from both research and experiments about the difference between the two types of liquid form enamels:

Brushable (LCE) enamel contains a water soluble polymer which does 2 things: allows it to retain moisture longer so that it can be brushed onto a surface and it dries super hard so it can be handled a lot. You can layer LCE colors (each layer must dry before applying another) and fire once.

The liquid form enamels don't have the polymer, making it difficult to brush on because it dries so fast. However, the lack of polymer makes the liquid form enamels great for dipping or spraying with an air brush; and, they can be mixed while wet to create new colors.

2. To my knowledge ceramic pigment can only be added to liquid form enamels (not LCE enamel). I can't speak to mixing overglaze colors.

3. I don't have enough recent experience to answer this question.