Using Metal foils

Metal foils

It is possible to attain the effect of enameling on silver or gold without actually using these expensive metals. Silver and gold foil can be substituted. You can obtain both gold and silver foil in booklets of approximately twelve sheets or in individual sheets. The foil is extremely delicate and must be handled with the utmost care. Because it tears so easily, it should be held between two sheets of tracing paper and then cut into whatever shape is desired with sharp scissors or a razor blade. The areas that are cut from the foil are called “paillons.”

The paillon is applied to an enameled surface, usually in the last stages of decoration since the foil tends to burn and should not be subjected to too many or too high firings. Before it is applied to the piece, you should prick it with pin points to allow the air to escape from under it when it is fired. This needn’t be done if the paillon is smaller than a square inch. With a pair of tweezers, place

Illustration 156
After firing again, the enamel piece is finished. Lumps and threads, while easy to apply, should be used sparingly.

the paillon on the enameled piece, adhering it to the surface with gum. Make certain that the paillon is smooth and flat by gently patting it with a soft rag or tissue. This will also absorb excess moisture.

Fire the piece for about one and a half minutes at 1350″-1400 , then remove it from the kiln and burnish the paillon with the back of a kitchen knife. If the paillon is completely adhered to the enameled surface, it may now be covered with a thin coat of transparent enamel and fired for two and a half or three minutes. The transparent coat may be applied by either dusting or the wet charge method, but the coat should be as thin as possible to attain the utmost transparency. To show the metallic foil to its best advantage, use blues and greens over the silver foil and warm colors (yellow is particularly beautiful) over the gold foil. Flux, of course, is effective over either silver or gold foil.

Keywords: Ceramic Decorations, Ceramics Decor, Ceramics, Painting

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