Hello. I'm a beginner enamelled in need of any advice you might generously share.
I am trying to enamel some opaque samples and my purples are turning brown.
My metal is fine silver.
The layer of enamel is very thin.
My kiln has no temperature gauge but it was a dull red.
The enamel was dry.
The enamel had not fused and gone glossy but was still grainy but went brown.
katharine woodSome purples (especially lead-free) are very temperamental on silver. Try first firing a layer of flux as a base coat first.
Do not overture anything on silver. Make sure you really have fine silver, not sterling.
If all else fails, try one of the many... moreSome purples (especially lead-free) are very temperamental on silver. Try first firing a layer of flux as a base coat first.
Do not overture anything on silver. Make sure you really have fine silver, not sterling.
If all else fails, try one of the many beautiful leaded Japanese enamel. Hope this helps.
September 20, 2017
katharine wood
That was meant to be "overfire," not "overture!" These computers!
September 20, 2017
Rudolf MolnarSilver is reacting with some colors and they can turned brown, black, dull. You need flux FOR SILVER!! under the purple but check the melting point of the flux, must be higher than the purple. Or you can use fine gold foil under the purple, but the wall... moreSilver is reacting with some colors and they can turned brown, black, dull. You need flux FOR SILVER!! under the purple but check the melting point of the flux, must be higher than the purple. Or you can use fine gold foil under the purple, but the wall of fine silver can discolor the edges.
September 24, 2017
Diane Anderson
Hi! I use Transparent Mauve Purple 2760 from Thompson Enamels, sometimes even without flux, and have great luck on fine silver. Hope that helps!
Do not overture anything on silver. Make sure you really have fine silver, not sterling.
If all else fails, try one of the many... more