Enameling beads

Jewelry Discussion
1

Was: Enameling project

Hello,

I live in Fayetteville, NC, not  to far from you. If you want to
learn how to enamel,  I'll be glad to show you the basics for free.

Can you answer a question?
Can you torch enamel a copper or silver Plated Bead?

I look forward to your reply…

Regards,
Rosanne

2

You can torch enamel copper beads. Painting with Fire is mainly
about that.

3

The quickest way to find the answer is to try one!! If it was me the
1st thing id do is check the metal the bead is made from.

It could be anything that will take a copper or silver electroplate.
so cut one in half to see… Flatten it out then try enamelling on
it. because if its made from a metal that has a melting point less
than the fusing of the enamel your wasting you time trying.

also torch enamelling encloses the object with a oxygen free
atmosphere, which prevents the enamel curing to its true colour
wether translucent or opaque.

So in the broadest terms, no. however, Its worth a try, you might be
lucky.

Making a silk purse from a sow’s ear aint easy.

4

Rosanne, It depends on the metal content of the beads. If there is
any zinc content…no don’t do it. Zinc vaporizes at the temps you
need to reach to fuse glass, and creates bubbles which make it
virtually impossible to get a good adhesion.

HTH,
Brenda

5

thanks, I just sent them an e-mail to inquire when the new online
class will begin? Thanks

Rosanne

6

Janet Notman in UK does this very successfully on copper beads.

She uses Mapp gas (which is hotter than propane or butane) and
clamps the torch to the bench.

Then with two mandrels - WITH a stop on them to stop the bead
burning the hands! - rotate the bead in the hot flame (think of a
bicycle movement). When the copper bead is red hot, rotate it in
powdered enamel which you have placed handily nearby. Then fire in
the torch flame. Repeat.

Apparently the movement is similar if you make lamp-work glass
beads.

Alternatively, use Klyr Fire glue and wetpack the enamel on to a
suitable metal bead (usually copper)

Torch firing will distort the colour of some enamels.

Here’s a link
Imgur

or see the Guild of Enamellers website

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