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Polishing after enameling

Jewelry Discussion
#1

Hi all, More enameling questions… What is the best way to polish
cast fine silver jewelry that has been enameled? It seems to take on
a dull patina after firing. I don’t want to use anything too
abrasive that will scratch or dull the enamel. Thanks!

Amery

#2 
What is the best way to polish cast fine  silver jewelry that has
been enameled? It seems to take on a dull  patina after firing.

Amery, I polish my silver with rouge either by using the flex shaft
or by using the buffing machine.

Jennifer Friedman
enamelist, jewelry artisan, ceremonial silver

#3

I have never enameled a cast object but it seems like it could be
buffed with Zam or brass brushed with water and a bit of detergent.
Are you stoning these pieces?

marilyn

#4

Marilyn, I’m not stoning the pieces, I’m just doing one coat of
enamel, various colors on different parts of the pieces, but one or
maybe two coats. I’m just starting out and playing around with
adding enameled pieces to my current line of cast pieces. -a.

#5

You can put enameled pieces in pickle. Just don’t put them in hot.
Yes, it might etch the enamel a bit. You’ll have to be the judge if
that is detrimental. That should take care of the black. After that,
I suggest brash brushing.

marilyn

#6

Depending on the shape of the piece, you could use a burnisher or a
fine Garryflex block (for a satin finish) or a glass brush under
water or rouge on a polishing motor. None of these should scratch
the enamel. Personally, I would not use a brass brush as I would be
concerned that it would mark the glass surface.

Regards, Deborah Miller
www.djm-jewellery.co.uk

#7 
  I would not use a brass brush as I would be concerned that it
would mark the glass surface.

If you use a jeweler’s brass brush, soap and detergent, it will
burnish not scratch. This sort of brush is made of very fine wires.
Brushes from the shoe store or supermarket will be too corse and
might mark the glass surface.

marilyn smith

#8

I do fine silver and high carat gold granulation with enamel and I
clean it starting with a brass brush (jeweler’s quality) under
running water with liquid soap, then finish with a glass brush under
water. I have never etched the surface of my enamels, but sometimes I
have gotten a “film” from the brass brush on certain enamels that
cleans off with the glass brush.

Tammy Kirks
Red Bee Designs