[TheForge] Enameling

Mon Jun 24 07:45:01 2002

Correct.  You use a medium fusing clear coat first (aka 'flux'), then =
transparent color(s) as the top layer(s).  The transparent, medium =
temperature, medium expansion enamels work best on steel.  You can use =
opaque colors but they look like paint (yuk).

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Fels and Phoebe Palmer [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 4:02 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [TheForge] Enameling

At 04:18 AM 6/23/02, you wrote:

The missing information here is that one needs to use  a special enamel=20
fired base coat  under the color coat for enameling on iron or steel. =
Can't=20
recall the name of the  iron/steel undercoat  but there are ( were?)=20
several competing brands.
  This is especially true for larger areas  or less than gentle =
handling.
  The rates of expansion for enamels and for each metal are all =
different.=20
Enamels don't stretch well.

>I took the Enameling for Blacksmiths course at John C Campbell Folk =
School=20
>back in March.  First time the course had been offered.  You can enamel =
on=20
>steel, but it's a bit tricky and has limitations ... enamel doesn't =
like=20
>to fuse to bare steel (in fact, most enamelists will tell you it cannot =
be=20
>done).  We did most of it with a torch (propane or MAPP), not a=20
>kiln.  With practice, one can achieve excellent results.  Heat control =
is=20
>critical, and the steel must be clean (no scale).  Enameling has=20
>interesting possibilities for enhancement or accents on certain pieces =
of=20
>ironwork.  And Thompson is THE source for enamels and enameling =
supplies.
>
>David Hufford
>Richmond KY
>
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