I have been enameling for over 25 years. I also do the scary
…and not very lucrative job …of repairing enamels. There are
many things to consider when taking on a repair job of
enameling…
–Is it really enamel or epoxy or Ceramit? Real hard fired
enamel will be dissolved in hydroflouric acid- a very dangerous
acid!!!
–Are there any solder seams and what does it appear to have
been soldered with ? Most hard fired enamels require soldering
with IT or hard solder in order to stay together when enameled.
–Can I match the color?? I usually try to match the color as
closely as possible with my color chart and my enamels and then
completely remove all the enamel in the piece and start over.
–If the piece does not have a chip out that goes all the way
down to the metal base, the piece can sometimes just be heated up
to reflow. Most hard fired enamels fire between 1350-1500
degrees. Be sure the piece is real clean–into an ultrasonic and
glass brushed- to remove any impurities like years of body oils.
Glass has pores.
–Am I charging enough to make this angst worthwhile or should I
just say no? Most enamel repair is a leap of faith. I love to see
a good repair done on an 18ky gold antique Italian made piece. I
feel like I am talking to a craftsman over years and
oceans…but these are rare experiences. Most just want Aunt
Mary’s Catholic pin to have a new pin back!!
Oh…I am not soliciting any more work–I have a hard enough
time saying no in Houston! Good Luck, Jan