Every time I use LCE-3 (white) as a counter enamel on copper OR
silver, it turns a pale green around the edges or on any internal
area that is only thinly covered with LCE-3. I am assuming this is
oxidation. But why and where from? The LCE-1 (black) does not show
this anomaly (naturally).
Here is what I do:
-
If I am using silver, I deplete it first
-
I use Cratex wheels to smooth the copper edges, but have NOT used
the Cratex on silver during this experiment
-The metal pieces are thoroughly cleaned with PennyBrite, glass
brush
-
I mix the LCE powder with distilled h20 in a clean container
stirring with a clean plastic spoon. -
I believe that I am following proper enameling procedures (i.e.,
avoiding cross contamination, using clean tools, clean paper, keeping
my area tidy, so on…) -
I paint the LCE-3 mixture on the back thickly and allow to dry
completely on top of my kiln -
I sprinkle enamel the front
-
fire at 1450 - 1500 for 2.5 minutes
-
my Pickle is Citrex - which does nothing to remove the green stain
-
however, I can grind it away with alundum stones
-
my kiln is an ArrowSpring AF99 t4 with a kiln washed ceramic floor
board -
my trivets are from Thompson enamels as are the mesh screens
-
I have successfully enameled both silver (depleted or not) and
copper previously and have not run into this type of problem
Now, I can only assume that:
-
My brushes might be contaminating the LCE-3, but wouldn’t the
entire surface be affected? -
Even though I regularly clean my trivets, they might be
contaminating the edges -
Or, ???
I seriously enjoy this site and the discussions; I always enjoy
visiting the sites of contributors and am in awe of the amount of
skill, creativity and knowledge presented here.
Thank you all so much for everything
Sandra Gilbert
Snohomish, Washington