I have some fine silver fold formed earrings that I’d like to enamel. They have a very clear texture, Would putting them in a barrel polisher be enough to prepare the surface? I’d really like to keep the shine of the silver.
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A tumbler with stainless steel shot and soap should work just fine. As for enameling 3 D articles…It can be very tricky. To pull it off you’ll need to use 200 or higher sifted enamel powder. Can you share a photo of the earrings for further advice?
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Any metal must be clean for enamel to adhere. I use Comet cleanser and scrub till water sheets off the metal instead of beading up. If water sheets off the silver after being tumbled, it is clean enough.
Let’s talk about metal surfaces for enameling. First of all, copper. Copper tends to oxidize easily, to tarnish. So that must be cleaned off before beginning to enamel. Fine grade Scotchbrite can do the job with Bon Ami , which does’t add chlorine to the scrubbing, and hot water. Once scrubbed clean it may help to use a surfactant which will break down any oils from your fingers. Ricky Frank recommends saliva, which is a good surfactant. Don’t lick your piece (not a good habit), just spit on a cotton swab or a tissue and rub over the surface. Between each layer of enameling, copper needs to be scrubbed clean of oxidation, as well. Using an enameling fiberglass brush and hot water may be sufficient. You must not use detergent or scrubbies that may be contaminated with Bon Ami, once you have enamel on your piece. Best not to pickle the piece either, since some enamels react badly to that acid. With Fine Silver, I initially will finish my piece and tumble in my magnetic finisher, and then use saliva, prior to doing the first layer of enamels. Once there is a layer of enamel, again no detergent. I only use saliva before adding subsequent layers of enamel. Once I have applied all the enamels, I check for any stray enamels that have escaped where I want them on my piece, remove them, and polish/finish the piece, using 3M radial bristle discs, and then throw the piece into the finisher again. For more thorough discussion of prepping and finishing enameled pieces, check out Linda Darty’s book and Karen Cohen’s book.
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