[Jewelry making - Article 00562] - Re: [Orchid] Enamel Start-up

[mike kersley]

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Hi Kim

    For small pieces, say less than 1 square inch, firing on a piece of
    steel mesh over a smith's small torch is the best way to start. Be
    careful not to melt the silver, rather raise the piece to red heat
    and simmer there for about 1 to 1.5 minutes or until you see the
    enamel flow. Do not allow the enamel to get too hot, just enough to
    get a smooth surface. Do not point the flame directly at the unfired
    enamel as it will be blown away by the torch of the flame and in
    addition it affects the colours. Don't bother with counter enamel but
    use material thick enough to withstand the tension of the enamel. I
    use 1mm sterling for cloisonne and 1.5 mm for champleve and thin
    coats of enamel. I have three kilns but regularly use the torch
    method for jewellery pieces as the kilns can take some time to reach
    enamelling temperature and that includes my gas kiln which is the
    quickest at 10 minutes for a 900 degrees centigrade. Enamelling is a
    very interesting but challenging technique. 

regards
mike k
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