[Jewelry making - Article 00328] - Re: [Orchid] Enameling Large Flat Copper

[Alma Rands]

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    First of all, in order to enamel a piece of copper measuring
    24"X24", you need to have access to a kiln that will accomodate
    something of that size. Also, the weight of the piece will be very
    heavy, and will require special means of inserting it into and out of
    the kiln. Furthermore you will have a real issue of warping to deal
    with. 

    Having said all that, you should be aware that many of us do large
    scale enameling--by assembling individually enameled pieces into a
    unit. You can cut your copper into squares, oblongs, or various
    shapes and assemble them jig saw fashion. I have a beverly shear and
    can cut my copper into any shape I desire, and can make my piece as
    large as desired. I usually work in units of roughly 11" square
    which is all I can really manage because of the weight. By the time
    my piece--which is heavy gauge, has been counter enameled, and has
    numerous coats of enamel, my wrist gives out. I used to do some up
    to 14", but they were too difficult for me to handle comfortably.

    Most of the enamelists who I know who work on large single sheets of
    metal, use steel which avoids the warpage problem, but they have
    kilns specially made to take these large pieces. Check out some of
    the back issues of Glass on Metal (available on line), to get
    additional information on this type of enameling. One artist does
    wonderful enameling on discarded steel washing machine lids. 

    Keep us posted on what you decide to do, and by all means do
    research the back issues of Glass on Metal for good information.

Alma
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