Enamelling Copper – The First Steps to Take

by | Jul 28, 2012 | Press Releases

You can create many different types of beautiful handmade jewellery when you get into the process of enamelling copper. This can be a very complex process - especially if you do not know what you are doing - but once you have practiced, and have learned all of the necessary skills you will be able to start enamelling handmade copper jewellery items without facing any major issues along the way.

When it comes to enamelling copper there are several steps that you will need to take in order to get started. By taking these steps one at a time you will help ensure that you are doing everything as carefully and correctly as possible.

The first thing that you should do is make sure that you understand all there is to know about the tools that you will need to use during the project you are working on. This is true when you are doing various types of work but especially true when it comes to enamelling copper. You should also understand that enamel is a glass material, whilst the process means that you are melting the glass down onto a metal surface.

Typically the metals that you use for this type of project include copper, silver or gold. You may also use steel however keep in mind that when you are enamelling steel it requires you to use a special type of ground coat enamel covering. This is a cover that enamelling copper already contains which may cause it to be a more preferred choice of metal. This will have to be applied before any type of coloured enamel.

You can typically purchase enamel in lump form or buy it ground into grains of various grades. Graded enamel may be purchased in various colours and shades which will allow you to have many creative choices when it comes to making your handmade jewellery. If you are enamelling copper or other type of metal to create a distinct image then the particle size amount should be in the range of 200/80 mesh. This is the most preferred mesh amount for those who wish to receive the best results in the end.

You should always keep in mind that enamel is available to purchase in two different forms, which are transparent and opaque. Transparent enamels are extremely similar to water colours. These particular enamels will allow the features that lie below the surface to be visible to the human eye. Opaque enamel does not allow objects below the surface to show through so it all really depends on the type of project you are working on whether you choose opaque or transparent enamel.

Uncoloured transparent enamel will often be referred by some people as flux. If you are working with enamelling copper you will have to apply a layer of flux to the copper material before you get started so that the transparent colours will show up best. Most coloured transparent enamels that are light in tone cannot be seen if they have been fused over a dark transparent. So keep that fact in mind when you are working on creating designs.

Jewellery making has become very popular amongst hobbyists all over the world. This article documents the first steps a jewellery maker should take when enamelling copper.

Enamelling Copper – The First Steps to Take

by | Jul 28, 2012 | Press Releases

You can create many different types of beautiful handmade jewellery when you get into the process of enamelling copper. This can be a very complex process - especially if you do not know what you are doing - but once you have practiced, and have learned all of the necessary skills you will be able to start enamelling handmade copper jewellery items without facing any major issues along the way.

When it comes to enamelling copper there are several steps that you will need to take in order to get started. By taking these steps one at a time you will help ensure that you are doing everything as carefully and correctly as possible.

The first thing that you should do is make sure that you understand all there is to know about the tools that you will need to use during the project you are working on. This is true when you are doing various types of work but especially true when it comes to enamelling copper. You should also understand that enamel is a glass material, whilst the process means that you are melting the glass down onto a metal surface.

Typically the metals that you use for this type of project include copper, silver or gold. You may also use steel however keep in mind that when you are enamelling steel it requires you to use a special type of ground coat enamel covering. This is a cover that enamelling copper already contains which may cause it to be a more preferred choice of metal. This will have to be applied before any type of coloured enamel.

You can typically purchase enamel in lump form or buy it ground into grains of various grades. Graded enamel may be purchased in various colours and shades which will allow you to have many creative choices when it comes to making your handmade jewellery. If you are enamelling copper or other type of metal to create a distinct image then the particle size amount should be in the range of 200/80 mesh. This is the most preferred mesh amount for those who wish to receive the best results in the end.

You should always keep in mind that enamel is available to purchase in two different forms, which are transparent and opaque. Transparent enamels are extremely similar to water colours. These particular enamels will allow the features that lie below the surface to be visible to the human eye. Opaque enamel does not allow objects below the surface to show through so it all really depends on the type of project you are working on whether you choose opaque or transparent enamel.

Uncoloured transparent enamel will often be referred by some people as flux. If you are working with enamelling copper you will have to apply a layer of flux to the copper material before you get started so that the transparent colours will show up best. Most coloured transparent enamels that are light in tone cannot be seen if they have been fused over a dark transparent. So keep that fact in mind when you are working on creating designs.

Jewellery making has become very popular amongst hobbyists all over the world. This article documents the first steps a jewellery maker should take when enamelling copper.