What is Enameling?

Basis of Enameling

Enameling is a surface treatment process that applies a thin layer of glass to metal. The glass powder melts and fuses to the metal surface when heated to high temperatures, creating a smooth, durable, and decorative finish. Enamels can be applied to jewelry, cookware, architectural metalwork, and more.

The Purposes of Enameling

Enameling is done for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Some key purposes of enameling include:

• Decoration – Enamels allow for colorful designs and patterns to be permanently fused onto metal. Vibrant hues and artistic motifs can be created. Enameling has long been used to beautify jewelry, dishware, vases, and other metal goods.
• Color – Enamels are available in a vast array of colors, from basic hues to vibrant transparent and opalescent varieties. Metals can be decorated in any color through enameling.
• Protection – The glass coating protects the metal underneath from corrosion, scratching, and tarnishing. Enamels provide a smooth and chemically resistant surface.
• Durability – Properly fused enamel is very durable. It maintains its color and gloss for long periods of time compared to paints or platings. Quality enameled pieces can last for generations.
• Customization – Enameling allows metal objects to be customized with unique colors, designs, textures, and finishes. From enameled jewelry to personalized dishware, customized enameled gifts are popular.

The decorative and protective properties of enameling lend it well to enhancing both jewelry and household objects with color, artistic designs, and lasting finish. Enameling transforms plain metals into beautiful and durable works of art and craftsmanship.

Enamel Composition and Materials

The glass powders used in enameling consist of a mixture of silica, fluxes, and colorants that fuse together to form the decorative coating:

• Silica – Silicon dioxide provides the main glass-forming component. Quartz, sand, and ground glass can provide silica.
• Fluxes – Flux materials like borax or soda ash lower the melting point of the silica to make enameling possible at achievable temperatures.
• Colorants -Metal oxides like cobalt, copper, manganese, and other compounds create different colors and opacities in the enamel.
• Opacifiers – Opacifiers like tin and zinc oxides give opaque whiteness and control transparency.
• Fillers – Non-glass materials like clay or calcium carbonate act as fillers to influence enamel working properties.
• Carriers – Carriers like gum arabic help the glass particles adhere during application before firing fuses them permanently.

Proper formulation of the glass powder along with selection of compatible metal substrates gives the enamel its unique combination of color, texture, durability, and ability to fuse onto metals. Enamelists can use premade enamels or blend their own.

Enameling Types

There are various techniques and subtypes of enameling, each creating different artistic effects. Some of the main enameling types include:

• Cloisonné – Thin wires are soldered to the metal base to create small compartments that are filled with enamel powder. The wires create outlined designs and patterns.
• Champlevé – Areas are carved or etched out of the metal base and the recesses are filled with enamel. The enamel is even with the metal surface.
• Basse-taille – Enamel is applied to a metal plate and fired. More enamel is applied and engraved through to reveal the underlying enamel color.
• Plique-à-jour – A technique where the enamel fills openings completely through the metal backing, creating a stained-glass effect.
• Painted Enamel – Enamel powders mixed with oil/water are painted onto metal like a painting. Firing fuses the enamel colors.
• Limoges – A painted enamel technique associated with Limoges, France. Layers of enamel are applied and fired multiple times to build up designs.
• Guilloché – The metal is engraved with intricate continuous patterns or text before applying transparent enamel. The enamel highlights the engraved designs.
• Plique-à-jour – A technique where the enamel fills openings completely through the metal backing, creating a stained-glass effect.
• Grisaille – A monochrome painted enamel technique using different gray and black enamels to produce gradations.

Key Enameling Parameters

Proper control over certain parameters is crucial in the enameling process in order to achieve a high quality result. Some key factors and parameters to control include:

• Firing Temperature – The enamel powder must be fired at high enough temperatures (typically 800-900°C) to fully melt, flow, and fuse with the metal substrate. Firing too low can result in poor adhesion.
• Firing Time – Enough time at temperature must be given for the enamel to completely fuse. Insufficient firing time can cause flaking or peeling. Multiple firings may be needed to build up thickness and complete fusion.
• Enamel Glass Composition – The formulation of the glass powder affects melting behavior, chemical durability, colors, and more. Different enamels are designed for specific metals, temperatures, and applications.
• Surface Preparation – The metal surface must be thoroughly clean and roughened through grinding or etching to enable mechanical bonding with the enamel. Degreasing and cleaning steps are critical.
• Enamel Application Technique – Proper application techniques like wet/dry packing or using overhead sprinkling allow the enamel to be applied uniformly before firing. Ensures consistent results.
• Cooling Rate – Slow cooling is needed to prevent thermal shock and cracking of the enameled piece after firing. A gradual cool down period is required.
• Firing Atmosphere – Firing under low oxygen atmospheres can inhibit oxidation of certain reactive metals. A reducing atmosphere or covercoat enamel may be used.

Suitable Base Metals

The metal substrate used for enameling must be able to withstand the high temperatures and thermal shock of firing without deforming. The enamel also needs to properly fuse to the metal surface. Some common base metals suitable for enameling include:

• Steel – Different grades of steel are commonly used, such as low carbon and stainless steel. Steel has high heat resistance and provides a smooth surface for enamels to adhere to.
• Copper – Copper has excellent thermal properties to withstand firing cycles. It is a popular choice for enameled jewelry. The natural color of copper may impact the final hue.
• Silver – Pure silver melts at too low of a temperature for enameling. But sterling silver contains enough copper to raise the melting point. Fine silver can be coated with copper through electroplating before enameling.
• Gold – Gold is suitable for enameling but the high cost limits its use. At least 14k gold is recommended as higher gold content lowers the melting point. The color of gold influences the final enameled hue.
• Nickel – Nickel is sometimes used as it has a high melting point. But some people have nickel allergies, so enameling directly onto nickel is uncommon.
• Cobalt-chrome – This alloy has excellent heat resistance for enameling and is often used for jewelry. It contains cobalt and chromium.

Proper metal selection helps ensure the enameling process goes smoothly and the enamel adheres durably. Non-precious metals like steel and copper are common in industrial applications while precious metals are favored for jewelry.

Equipment and Materials Needed

Enameling requires some key equipment and materials to process metal substrates and apply colored glass coatings. Typical equipment and supplies include:

• Kiln – A high temperature kiln capable of reaching 800-900°C is required for firing the enamel. Kilns designed for glass or ceramics can be used. Common choices are electric and gas-fired kilns.
• Enamel – Finely ground colored glass powders suitable for enameling must be purchased. A wide selection of colors and finishes is available from enamel suppliers.
• Sifter – A sieve or sifter is used to separate enamel chunks and ensure a fine and consistent powder particle size before application.
• Application Tools – Brushes, spatulas, tweezers, and specialized tools aid in applying even coats of enamel onto the metal surface.
• Trivet or Grid – Used to elevate and support the metal pieces in the kiln during firing. Stainless steel and ceramic options are common.
• Tongs – High temperature tongs are used to safely move hot metal pieces in and out of the kiln. Long handled tweezer-style tongs are typical.
• Protective Equipment – Safety glasses, gloves, apron, and mask for working with hazardous enameling chemicals and handling hot objects.
• Grinder – Used to abrade, shape, and prep the surfaces of metal blanks before enameling.
• Water Container – For quenching hot items and cleaning. Stainless steel is ideal to withstand temperature changes.

Enameling Process Steps

The enameling process involves multiple important steps to prepare the metal surface, apply glass enamel layers, and fuse everything together with firing. The general process includes:

1. Design and Metal Selection – The piece is designed and appropriate metal substrates chosen based on the application.
2. Surface Preparation – The metal surface is thoroughly cleaned and roughened by grinding or etching to improve enamel adhesion.
3. Enamel Application – Enamel powder is applied using sifting, wet packing, or other techniques to create an even coating.
4. Firing – The enameled piece is fired in a kiln at temperatures around 800-900°C to melt the glass and fuse it to the metal.
5. Cooling – Following firing, the object is slowly cooled to prevent cracks and thermal shock. Quenching in water speeds cooling.
6. Finishing – Additional grinding, filing, polishing or etching may be done to smooth surfaces and refine the final appearance.
7. Repeat Enameling – For multi-layered effects, stencils, or thicker enamel coatings, steps are repeated to apply and fire additional layers.
8. Final Firing – A concluding firing helps finalize the enamel and may be performed after all layers are built up.
9. Quality Control – The enameled piece is inspected for proper fusion, smoothness, color accuracy, and other quality criteria.

Industrial Applications of Enameling

Enameling is used across several industries to apply glass coatings onto metal parts and products. Some of the top industrial applications include:

• Appliances – Enamel provides a durable and decorative coating for household appliances like ovens, refrigerators, laundry machines, and more. It protects the metal and resists staining.
• Cookware – From pots and pans to cookie sheets and baking dishes, enameled cookware has a smooth, non-stick surface that resists corrosion. Popular for casserole and Dutch oven dishes.
• Architectural Metalwork – Building facades, doors, and structural steel can be enameled for enhanced durability, aesthetics, and graffiti resistance. Helps weatherproof buildings.
• Signage – Road signs, retail signage, display boards and more are often enameled or use enameled panels. The glass coating protects and adds color.
• Bathroom Fixtures – Enameled cast iron is prevalent for bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. The glass layer prevents rust and is easy to clean.
• Electrical Equipment – Switchgear, circuit breakers, transformers, and other equipment use enamel for insulation and weather-proofing. Withstands extreme conditions.

Enameling Applications in Jewelry

Enameling is commonly used in jewelry to add color, designs, and decorative glass surfaces to metals like stainless steel, silver, gold, copper, and more. Some ways enameling is applied in jewelry include:

• Pendants – Images, geometric patterns, and artistic designs can be enameled onto metal pendants, adding color and interest. Popular for lockets and crosses.
• Rings – Rings can be partially or fully enameled, with some leaving metal sections exposed for contrast. The glass coating is durable for daily wear.
• Bracelets – Cuff bracelets and bangles lend themselves well to enameling, allowing for vibrant swirling or linear designs.
• Chains – Sections of chain or individual links can be enameled, often using multiple colors. An enameled chain provides a unique accessory.
• Charms – Small enameled charms for bracelets and necklaces can take on any shape from hearts to animals. Vibrant miniature paintings are possible.
• Brooches – Enameling creates stunning brooches, pins, and lapel pieces with artistic motifs like flowers, birds, or landscapes framed in precious metals.
• Watch faces – Luxury watchmakers use enameling to add color, guilloché detailing, and durability to watch faces.
• Buckles – Belt buckles and harness buckles are often decorated with enameling. The glass coating allows for creative colorblends, swirling artistic designs, monograms, and more on buckle surfaces.
• Keychains – Small enameled charms, logos, and motifs can adorn keychains. Keychains also may have partially enameled beads or links for visual interest. Enamel’s durability is ideal for handling.
• Cufflinks – Men’s enameled cufflinks provide colored glass detailing that withstands frequent use. Designs may be simple or intricate.
• Hair accessories – Enameled barrettes, hair clips, tiaras, combs, and bobby pins can have colorful designs or gem-like transparent enameling as adornments.

Hard vs Soft Enameling

Enamels are categorized as either hard or soft, based on the glass composition and firing temperature needed:

• Hard Enamels – Hard enamels contain a high amount of silica and require firing around 800-900°C. They form a very smooth, durable glass surface. Hard enamels work best on metals like steel or gold.
• Soft Enamels – Soft enamels have additional fluxes added to lower the melting point to 600-800°C. They result in a slightly less glassy surface. Soft enamels are used on silver or copper which can’t withstand high temps.

Advantages of Hard Enamel

• More durable, scratch resistant surface
• Wider range of achievable colors
• Can be thinly applied for transparent effects
• Highly dimensionally stable

Advantages of Soft Enamel

• Lower firing temperature broadens base metal options
• More forgiving application with fewer defects
• Softer visual texture and light diffusion
• Easier to carve, engrave, or etch for design techniques

Comparison to Related Surface Coatings

While enameling provides a durable and decorative colored glass coating, there are other methods that achieve similar effects. Some alternatives to compare enameling against include:

• Painting – Painting directly on metal can provide color but lacks durability. Paint may chip, fade, or scratch off over time and use. Enamel is fused into the metal for longevity.
• Lacquering – Lacquers give a polished look but lack the color range and heat resistance of enamels. Lacquers can wear over time. Enamel better withstands heat and cleaning.
• Oiling – Oiled metal finishes are temporary and need frequent reapplication. Enamel maintains its surface for years or decades without recoating.