Enamels

Enamel is richly colored glass that is powdered and has been chemically formulated to create a permanent bond with specific metals, such as silver, copper and gold.  Enamels can be applied dry or wet and fuse with heat.  The fusing temperature range for most enamels is 1400F - 1500F (760C - 815C)

Enamels may be lead bearing or lead free.  Lead provides increased refractive properties making them appear brighter. It’s also a color stabilizer allowing the enamels to be fired more frequently than lead-free options.  Thompson lead free enamels are still quite beautiful and can be fired many times before losing color, and tend to be more affordable for the US market.  

Both leaded and lead free enamels can be used safely with the proper precautions

• Always wear a dust mask rated N95 or higher when screening or sifting enamels

• Do not work where you eat or eat where you work. 

• Use damp clean up methods such as a damp rag or mop, rather than dry dusting or sweeping when cleaning up an enameling area.  

• Don’t lick your tools (seriously folks.  Keep it out of your mouth)

• When firing enamels, especially those with lead, run an exhaust fan to vent your studio.   This can be as simple as a box fan in a window.