Fire Glazing Enamelling

Anyone have any ideas/suggestions? Is it better to concentrate the
torch on the bottom of the piece rather than playing across the
enamel? All comments are greatly appreciated!

TIA,
Susan

Hi Susan.

When torch firing, I prefer to concentrate the flame on the bottom
of the piece. Then, If I want an iridescent effect, I play the flame
on the face (after the enamel has fused). You will get different
effects depending on the color of the enamel being used. Some colors
are not affected, others get something like a raku effect. The
different oxides and metallic components of the enamel react
differently when exposed directly to the flame. I use an acetylene
torch, and have been told that propane or other gases will give
different results.

Alma

     Is it better to concentrate the torch on the bottom of the
piece rather than playing across the enamel?  All comments are
greatly appreciated! 

Yes, use a big bushy flame and keep it moving across the bottom of
the piece. Remove it when the enamel surface reaches the orange peel
stage unless it is the last firing.

marilyn

Fire Glazing Enameling or “Torch Enameling”

Yes–always heat your copper or 99% silver FROM UNDERNEATH! You’ll
blow away your enamel and risk all kinds of bad results if you do it
from above! Use a wire-mesh on a trivet and heat your copper piece
with a #3 tip acetylene torch. Wonderful things can be accomplished
with torch enameling that are difficult to accomplish in a kiln,
i.e., scrolling, removing too much enamel, flattening lumps, etc.
There are often workshops that demonstrate this type of
enameling–go to one in your area. Our club has offered this class.
It’s fun, and you can make beautiful things without a kiln.

from Vi Jones
rocks1x1vi.george -at- verizon.net