Introduction to Enamels: A glossary of terms plus safety basics

by Jill L. Erickson

Published: May 22, 2009

You can use enamels to add color to metal jewelry.

What is enameling?
Simply put, enameling is fusing glass to metal. Enamels are made of finely powdered glass particles and other materials, like minerals and ceramic pigments. Enamels come in lump, powder, and liquid forms.

Mini glossary
Coefficient of Expansion (COE) The rate at which a material expands and contracts; enamelists must consider the COEs of both the metal and the glass that they're firing together to ensure that the enamels adhere properly

Counter enamel Enamel fused to the back of a piece to balance the stress created by enamel fired on the front of the piece; prevents cracking

Fines Porcelain dust residue; it's important to wash the fines out of transparent enamels, or the fired colors will be cloudy

Flux A colorless, clear enamel often used as a base layer for subsequent layers of transparent enamels; enamel flux is unrelated to the flux used in soldering

Fully fused A fired enamel surface that is even and glossy

Fusing formula Enamels are manufactured in soft-, medium-, and hard-fusing formulas that correspond to the COEs of various metals; for example, medium temperature/medium expansion enamels are formulated for fine silver, gold, and copper

Holding agent An organic binder that helps adhere enamel powder to metal; Klyr-Fire is a common holding agent that is water soluble and is typically applied with a brush or diluted with distilled water and applied as a spray

Mesh A number indicating the coarseness of the particles in powdered enamels; low mesh numbers are coarser than high mesh numbers

Opaque Colors that are not transparent; it is not necessary to wash opaque enamels before using them

Orange peel A surface finish that occurs as enamel softens during firing and begins to fuse, creating a texture that resembles the skin of an orange

Sugar coat The texture of the enamel within the first minute of firing before the glass softens

Transparent Enamel colors that are clear; transparent enamels must be washed before you use them to remove by-products that make the fired colors cloudy; courses of transparent firings can add visual depth to a piece

Enamel Safety Basics
When you're working with enamels:
• Wear a dust mask.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas.
• Wear fire-retardant gloves or mitts when loading and unloading the kiln.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating your kiln.
• When using a fiberglass brush, brush enameled surfaces underwater and avoid skin contact.
• Use an alundum stone underwater.
• Consult your local hazardous waste center for proper glass-disposal methods.

Introduction to Enamels: A glossary of terms plus safety basics

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