How to make fired enamels: Step by step guide for jewelry making
Preparation of the glaze
To obtain a shiny and transparent glaze, it must be prepared carefully. The first step is to grind the glaze. A 17-18 cm diameter porcelain mortar is used for this purpose; for a finer grind, an agate mortar can be used. With gentle circular movements and a small addition of distilled water, the glaze is ground against the walls of the mortar. The cloudy water is removed and replaced with clean water. Grinding continues until the desired particle size is achieved.
Photo 1. Porcelain mortar
Washing the glaze
During the grinding process, changing the water purifies the glaze. The ground glaze is placed in a clear plastic cup or container and filled with distilled water. It is allowed to stand for a few minutes and then the cloudy water remaining on the surface is removed and replaced with clean water. This process should be repeated until the water on the glaze is completely clear. This step is especially important for transparent glazes.
Photo 2. Enamel washing
Preparation of the metal
Before enamel is applied to a piece of silver, it must be annealed several times and then immersed in a 10% sulfuric acid solution. This causes recrystallization and stress relieving of the metal, as well as removing contaminants, oils and grease.
Application of the glaze with a brush
The brush should be stiff and fine-tipped. Its size depends on the amount of glaze to be applied. It is dipped in a glass of water, the excess is removed on a napkin and passed over the wet polish, so that a small amount remains on the tip, like a grain of rice. The glaze should be moist enough to be applied with the brush. Excess water can be removed with filter paper.
Photo 3. Correct amount of glaze to apply
Photo 4. Enamel application with a brush
Drying the glaze
Before firing, the applied enamel must be completely dry, since at firing temperature the water would boil and cause bubbles or detachment. For this purpose, the enameled piece is placed near a hot muffle furnace until it is completely dry.
Glaze firing
The most important rule for firing is: high temperature - short time. Most glazes start to melt at around 800 °C. For beginners, the ideal temperature is between 780 and 880 °C. The base with the enameled piece is carefully placed in the kiln. Avoid any shocks or sudden movements, as dry enamel crumbles easily.
Photo 5. Loading of the piece in the muffle furnace
Appearance of fired glaze
A well-fired glaze acquires a cherry red color at the base and a mirror-like shine; its surface should not be wavy.
Photo 6. Glaze firing
Cooling and additional layers
Gentle cooling of the enamel is essential, as metal and enamel cool differently and sudden changes in temperature can lead to cracking or flaking. Generally, a single coat is not enough: the enamel is applied and fired several times until the desired thickness and gloss are achieved.
Photo 7. Finished enamel