Applying the Enamel
Remember that extreme cleanliness is the rule from this point on, so
clear your work table as far as possible of tools and other materials.
Place the pieces of metal on a sheet of clean paper, and you are ready
to apply the enamel.
In a small bowl (a clean fragment of glass will do fine for a
"palette") stir a small amount of enamel powder with enough water to
make a thickish paste. (The beginner is advised to use opaque enamel,
which is easier to work with.) Apply the paste evenly to the metal with
a water color brush. The layer of enamel should be no thicker than half
the thickness of the metal base, but the edges should be a little
thicker than the rest. Place the pieces carefully on the preheated
surface of the kiln to dry (use the slide for this). At this point, you
may still smooth out any irregularities. When the enamel is dry, cover
the kiln with the hood and switch it on. After a few minutes, lift the
hood a little to check the progress of the firing. During the process,
the enamel will discolor, but it reverts to its original color upon
cooling. When the metal glows red-hot and the glaze is smooth, it is time to switch off the kiln. With the slide,
carefully lift the pieces onto the asbestos sheet to cool. Now file the
blackened edges, taking care always to work away from the enamel, as it
splinters easily. Holding the piece face downward in your hand, smooth
the back with fine steel wool or emery cloth, taking care not to apply
too much pressure.
If you are enameling a somewhat larger surface, you may apply the
powder to the metal base with a sieve. First coat the cleaned metal
surface with a paste of tragacanth and water, and set it in a sheet of
clean, dry paper. Now sift on the enamel powder evenly. Finally, raise
the edges a little with the help of your brush. The drying and firing
process remains the same.
To obtain a pattern, you may apply one or more colors over the first
glaze. This second coat, however, must be even thinner than the first.
For very small areas it is advisable to use a sifting tube. Repeat the
drying and firing process.
When using transparent enamel, you must first fire on a colorless
enamel. For the second firing, use transparent enamel in the color or
colors you wish. This technique is essential for obtaining the
delightful transparent effect.
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