Enameling on plated copper

Jewelry Discussion
1

I have a concept for an enameled piece that involves enameling on
gold plated copper. While researching my process, I was unable to
confirm that plated gold will withstand enameling temperatures.

Is this a compatible combination, and under what if any conditions.
What are physical/materials concerns effecting the outcome.

Is it more appropriate to plate the piece after enameling?

Thank you one and all
Russ Milligan

2 
I have a concept for an enameled piece that involves enameling on
gold plated copper. While researching my process, I was unable to
confirm that plated gold will withstand enameling temperatures.

I think that it will alloy into the copper but enamelists use gold
and silver foils under their enemels so maybe it will work.

marilyn

3 
I have a concept for an enameled piece that involves enameling on
gold plated copper. While researching my process, I was unable to
confirm that plated gold will withstand enameling temperatures.

Although it has been many years since I tried this I do recall that
it was not successful for me. I think the thickness of the gold layer
probably has a lot to do with the outcome as the thinnish layer of
gold seemed to oxidise and become dark before the enamel fused. By all
means gold plate after the enamelling is completed though, that did
work well.

Good luck,

Jenny Gore
Adelaide, South Australia

4

If the gold plate is 24K it may work. Anything less, and you run
into problems because of the alloy used. If the gold has been alloyed
with zinc or even copper, you will have trouble. Enamelists use pure
silver foil, and 24k foil in order to avoid problems caused by
alloys.

Alma

5 
I have a concept for an enameled piece that involves enameling on
gold plated copper. While researching my process, I was unable to
confirm that plated gold will withstand enameling temperatures.

I didn’t see your entire post (just a couple of posts), but I would
suggest enameling on the copper, then have your piecce gold plated.
When silver and gold foils are used on top of copper, one must put
down a layer of flux between the two metals to prevent them from
creating an alloy when heated in the kiln. Otherwise you end up with
ugly puddles of metal which could be cool if that is what you wanted
in your design. Tom Ellis from Thompson Enamel
glassonmetal@yahoo.com is great to talk to about technical stuff as
well as Coral Shafer from Enamelwork Supply ewsco@attbi.com.

Good Luck.

Brenda Schack …in CT where it is snowing heavily and very cold!