Enameling

Enameling isn't really that easy of a process only because it involves a kiln (they are very expensive). It's the process of giving metal an almost glass glaze. The beauty of enamel is that there is so many options on what you can do with it. Enamel can have different textures and patterns by using different colors or stencils. The only stipulations is that enamel can't be used on anything but copper, steel, and silver, and it can't be used on anything soldered. It's versatile and can add a spruce to any metal products.

What to Get:
piece of copper, silver or steel
base coat
assorted enamels (any colors)
hairspray
sifter
trivet
magazine pages
pumis powder
scotch brite pad
baking soda

How-To:
1. Clean metal with baking soda, pumis powder and scotch brite pad
**don't touch after cleaned**
2. Preheat the kiln to 1500 degrees
3. Lay the magazine pages under your trivet before starting to enamel
**the magazine pages have a glossiness that keeps the enamel from sticking**
4. Use a sifter to gently and evenly coat the metal with first a base coat (very expensive. Do not mix with other enamel colors)
5. Slowly spray hairspray over the base coat to help it stick
6. Sift desired color or colors
onto piece
**replace magazine pages after every color**
**optional to do both sides**
7. Use a tool to place the trivet in the kiln like long metal tongs, NEVER USE YOUR HANDS.
8. The texture of the enamel is what determines how long you lave it in for: not necessarily a time limit
Sugar coat = first stage where the glass just begins to melt
Orange peel = Grainy texture
Complete fire = final stage
Over fire = color starts to burn back
9. Last step! Take your piece out of the kiln and let cool before touching. Pickle if you didn't enamel both sides and you are done!

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