Enameling

CMC in powdered form (mix with water) or already mixed in liquid
form sold as Klyrfire.

Hallo Shirl,

If you are enamelling a flat surface you don’t need gum, you can
sift the enamel dry on the clean surface. Works great, only be
carefull when you bring it to the oven. When you use washed enamel on
a flat surface you can put it on with a brush, the water helps you te
spread the enamel. Be sure there is enough enamelpowder on the edges
and in the corners because it will allways pull back there. Maybe it
is possible this way? Good luck,

Marleen.
Marleen B.Berg

Aventijnhof 11
6215 ES Maastricht, Nl…

Hi Shirl. My favorite adhering agent is Klyr Fyre which I get from
Thompson enamel. It fires clear with no residue or problems.
Sometimes on flat surfaces I use a very thin film of mineral oil on
my copper to keep the grains in place. i dab on just a wee drop,
wipe it around with my finger, and then with a soft lint free cloth
or piece of tisssue I wipe again to make sure that all I have is a
film of oil. It works just fine, except on sloped pieces, and on
these i use either Klyr Fyre or a dilute mixture of gum Trag. I
have heard of Lotus Root powder, but have never used it. Also, some
enamelists use hair jel as their adhering agent, but I would think
it would have to be diluted as the stuff is thick and gummy. Perhaps
some other enamelists will come up with some more solutions. Alma

I think it is “lily root” not lotus root, and I understand Carol at
Enamelworks carries some. Joel

Re: adhesive oils in enameling… there are a number of things to
use. I hate klyr fire too! Nasty , gooey stuff …good for gluing
and for verticle applications. You can use mineral oil if that’s
your only option, but if you’re interested in enameling why don’t you
have a catalogue from a good company? There are a number of
them…One is Seattle whose name escapes me at the moment ( soory,
you nice people up there) and Schlaifer’s Enameling in Calif. She
ahs a very informative catlogue including a number of thinnner oils,
which can be used in a number of ways. Marianne Hunter

One is Seattle whose name escapes me at the moment ( soory, you
nice people up there) 

It is Coral Shaffer at Enamelwork Supply

Enamelwork Supply Co. 206-525-9271 1022 NE 68th st Seattle,
Washington 98115

I think it is "lily root" not lotus root, and I understand Carol
at Enamelworks carries some. Joel 

Hello Joel! : ) You are certainly right to say that there is a
holding agent known as, “Lily Root” which you mention above, I have
some “Lily Root.” However, there IS also a holding agent known as
“Lotus Root” as well. It is mentioned in Karen Cohen’s Book “The Art
Of Fine Enameling.” And I spoke to Coral who confirmed that there
are both Lilly & Lotus Root holding agents, which seem to work
similarly. The “Lily Root Powder” can be ordered from (“Enamelwork”
Supply Co.) 1-800-596-3257. The description of this powder says…
Lily Root Powder is an excellent temporary adhesive for adhering
cloisonne wires to a vertical surface…etc… oh and just as a
quick note for those who might not know her, it’s “Coral”… rather
than Carol who will help you when you call Enamelwork Supply Co. :
) She can help with the choice of which holding agent might work
well for a particular project.

Warm Regards To All!
Peace!
Sharon Scalise
@Ornamental_Creations
http://users.netconnect.com.au/~sscalise/

Hello Shirl, I love Lily Root powder. It is amazing stuff. I put a
little water in a babyfood jar lid, then sprinkle the tiniest bit of
powder onto the water. Wait a few minutes and will turn gelatinous.
Then dip and apply your wires. It takes a little longer to dry, but
it is well worth the wait. Wires applied to a vertical surface stay
put. Just make what you need, though. I understand it goes bad (ie
grows fuzzy) by the end of the day.

Best of luck,

Margaret

I am not really an enameler, but I am a kibbitzer… I was taught to
attach wires with super glue (OK, cyanoacrylic, if you must). It
burns off without residue, and Lord knows it’s quick! Has always
worked fine for me. Incidentally, super glue is also great to hold
parts in position while you secure them with “extra hands”, sand, or
whatever, for soldering.

–No�l

Super glue again…this time for adhering wires for enamel work
Another reminder that super glue fumes…while you’re working with
it, in your studio and burning off are extremely hazardous to your
health! If you’re going to go ahead and use it anyway, at least be
conscious of the issue and take some precautions. Marianne

Regarding the use of super glue. I have found that concentrated
hairspray works really will for fixing wires. A little goes a long
way. David

Regarding the use of super glue. I have found that concentrated
hairspray works really will for fixing wires.

Hi All: I am currently facilitating an enameling workshop at the
Mendocino Art Center. I was contemplating the super glue and hairspray
notion…with beginning students as with myself…I just can’t see
it…the fumes…the super glue with tweezers…and the wires
sticking to fingers. They have so many wonderful products to use for
wires that are less toxic and not as messy. If you don’t like any of
the items on the market that they sell…have you tried Elmers
Glue…sparingly…

Just my two cents.
Linda Crawford
Linda Crawford Designs
Willits, CA
http://www.lindacrawforddesigns.com

Yes, I have used Elmer’s white glue for cloisonne wires. Learned
that many years ago from Marion L Brown. I use very little. Touch one
little section of the wire so that only a tiny bit is attached. (no
big blobs) It dries fast and using it facilitates adhereing wires at
a faster rate. Louise @lgillin1