Overglazing and Finishing your piece

OVERGLAZES

For enameled pieces that require fine detail work, overglazes can be used. They are applied in the same manner on enamels as on ceramics. With overglazes the enamelist can incorporate fine lines into the design and create a three-dimensional effect by shading the overglazes with a stippling brush or a watercolor brush with the bristles cut off squarely. However, do not overdo the use of overglazes or you may find that your enameled piece has become a china-painted piece; while china painting has admirable qualities of its own, it does not have much of the true enamel quality.

After overglazing, let the piece thoroughly dry so that the oil is dissipated. Then fire it at about 1200 -1300 and remove it from the kiln in two or three minutes in the same manner as other enamels.

FINISHING

After your enamel piece is completed, the exposed copper areas must be polished since they will be black from fire scale. The edges can be cleaned by hand with a fine file, a carborundum stone or emery paper, or they can be polished on a buffing wheel. The copper back of the piece can also be polished on a buffing wheel with an abrasive cleaning compound and then given a final high polish with rouge. To polish the back by hand, first apply a commercial preparation that removes most of the black fire scale and then use steel wool or scouring powder. Give the polished piece a coat of clear lacquer to protect the surface and prevent further oxidation.

Findings for enamel jewelry can be obtained in various finishes from most enamel and ceramic dealers. You can solder them or cement them with liquid cement as with ceramic jewelry.

Keywords: Ceramic Decorations, Ceramics Decor, Ceramics, Painting

Tags: ceramics

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