Hi Leslie - Great question. Technically, the enamel is a "flux" meaning that the enamel will absorb oxides. If the fire scale has grown really thick, then the enamel will have a problem adhering to the metal; however, you do not need to remove all of the oxides (especially with opaque enamels). You can actually use the fire scale as a design element in your pieces! A member of our Jewelry Tech Team said he would remove all oxides if you are working with transparent because that will affect the color. We hope this is helpful!

Hey again, +boxer3086! Yes, you can! It has been done with more than two colors, too. You may want to use opaque colors so the color doesn’t bleed through on the different layers. Let us know if you have any further questions!

Good to know. Will give it a whirl. Appreciate your quick response!

Divella Designs many transparent colors do not look good direct on copper due to chemical reactions with the metal. I always find it helpful to make a series of quick test samples so that I know what to expect. This is a common and expected practice for every enamelist in their learning process.

Yes, you can torch fire with leaded enamels. You will want to make sure that you fire the unleaded on the bottom and the leaded on top. The leaded enamels will have a lower melting temperature so if you fire those first, the leaded enamels will start to bleed into the unleaded enamels causing different colors.

the white enamel on the back may turn different colors, depending on the type of flame used. enamels can have a reaction to the gases.

Hi Rita, Thanks for watching & welcome to the world of enameling! You might like to read some of the resources on the Rio Grande Blog. This article talks specifically about torch firing vs. kiln firing enamel. It states that a butane torch will work just fine for smaller pieces. You can read the article here: riograndeblog.com/enameling-102-kiln-firing-vs-torch-firing/ Hope this helps!

Here is another case of "breaking the enamel rules". When enamel rests on a horizontal surface, gravity holds the grains in place. Glue may be used to keep grains in place for delicate "scrafitto" type drawing or to create crisp edges, but adhesive does not need to be used to hold the enamel in place for most firings on a flat or slightly domed surface. The glue's purpose is to hold the enamel in place until the enamel has melted. It does not aid in the bonding between the enamel and the metal surface.

Thank you so very much for your insight.

Yes, you need to counter enamel the piece to help normalize stress and help to prevent cracking!

@@RioGrande1944 are there any other options other than counter enameling? cant we do it without counter?

I don't believe in "rules of enameling". what works, works. I had an enamelist of 30 years experience show me this "trick" when i was teaching a room full of enamelists at an enamelist conference several years ago. when the enamel is quenched, small cracks do develop. SINCE I AM GOING TO FIRE THIS PIECE AGAIN THOSE CRACKS WILL HEAL. PERHAPS I SHOULD MAKE THIS CLEAR WHEN DEMONSTRATING. i don't quench on a final firing in order to preserve the quality of the piece. have even quenched a cloisonne' enamel. I quench when the piece has cooled down slightly about 10 seconds). and these are small , very thin copper or silver so they are very light in weight/mass. . less thermal shock as a smaller pieces takes less time to cool down. But i have to disagree with this concept of patience. I am one of the most impatient people one might meet. I take my time when it is necessary to achieve a specific effect or result. But i hate wasting time. Patience does not mean taking longer to do something when it is not required. I fire almost all of my cloisonne' colors in two firings; many enamelists expand on the virtues of 8 or more layers of color. what is the point of that if i can figure out ways to get a similar or even better look using less time? I'm sorry but there are no "rules". There are actions, and there are results. If you like the results you will be pleased. If you don't like the results then change your goal or try another way until you get the result you like. It's the same in life as in enameling.

Ricky Frank Thank you for your reply . I don't think it's necessary to explain how bad someone feels when a small piece has minor defects or cracks on its surface . The smaller the piece , the worst . Or to explain why the famous enamel companies are "wasting" so much time- months of special treatment - to get the best quality for their enamels , respecting strictly formulas and the rules their ancestors had made , in order to make the best quality materials for their customers ... And most of all , looking for perfection require a lot of patience . Otherwise , we can do things randomly , only for fun . Or using resins . My best regards , Giacomo