I’m doing some experiments with torch-fired enamels and am really
enjoying the technique. However, I’m not finding much by way of
technical resources that can help me along the way. It seems that all
of the documentation, instructions, and product specs assume
kiln-firing.
Can any of you point me toward some good resources to help?
You might contact the San Diego Enamel Guild’ s President Steve
Artz. His works in Torch Enamel and he teaches a great workshop using
the torch. I took a class with him at one of the past Enamel
conferences. If you look up the Enemalist Society website you can get
email address and tel # http://enamelistsociety.org
You might consider going to this years Conference which is held every
other year. It is in Oh this year. The is also on the
website.
Try the book THE ART OF ENAMELING by Linda Darty. I found her torch
firing tips very helpful and as an over all technical resource its an
excellent book. Rio does carry it as well, st# 550-077, $24.95.
Torch firing is a wonderful way to experience enameling in all of it
stages. I see it as an extension to kiln fired enamels and not a
replacement since the results are very different. It requires
working from instinct with a sensitive observation of cause and
effect. The torch oxidizes and blends the pigments, creates patterns
and causes chemical reactions that do not occur with kiln firing.
Firing times are intuitive and the temperature is controlled by the
length of the flame. The torch fires with a cascade of heat, allowing
for control over heat placement throughout the piece. Solder seams
and delicate colors (soft enamels) thus can be avoided while areas
needing high heat can be hit directly…
Thank you all so much for the helpful pointers. I had already read
(and saved for future reference) Deborah Lozier’s articles and
everything I could find at Thompson enamel. I’m really looking
forward to diving in to some of the other references.