Friday, November 30, 2012

Enameling


We learned the basics of enameling earlier in the Autumn. The used materials are enamel powder, which is glass, and copper. You put the pieces in a special oven for a minute or so to melt the enamel.

First, you cut a piece of copper. Then you file the corners, make a hole and scrub clean with a metal wool. Then you wash the piece and dunk it in raw alcohol. The alcohol is for cleaning finger prints. When alcohol has evaporated, you brush a thin layer of lavender oil on copper. That keeps the powder on its place. Then you add a thin layer of enamel and move the piece on a metal net stand and put the piece in the oven. Remove the piece and let cool.

Four techniques. Above left: Cardboard stencil is used to make the white picture. First you make the first layer and let cool. Then you add the picture and reheat the piece.
Above right: Cloisonne enamel. First you twist copper wire and put it on enamel powder layer, then you heat the piece. Let cool and paint the other colour, here red. Reheat.
Down left: On the first layer you add the second colour. Then you scrape away the powder starting from the center and moving over the edge. Reheat the piece.
Down right: Make the first layer, then paint with a stick and paint made of enamel powder and distilled water. Reheat.

Stencil carps.

Two first from the left have two coats of enamel under the fish shape to add depth.

This is what happens if the enamel powder layer is too thick.

Various pieces to use in jewellery.