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Copper Enameling

What is Copper Enameling?

Copper enameling is the fusion of glass to metal in a kiln. First, a copper shape is cut out, cleaned and prepared. Then finely ground glass of various colors, depending on the pattern desired, is sifted onto the copper. The copper is then placed into a kiln until the glass melts and fuses to the copper. The piece is then allowed to cool. Depending on the desired result, a piece may have additional layers, colors, etc. added and refired many times. Even when stencils are used for specific patterns, no two pieces are ever exactly alike, due to the chemical changes that occur when the piece is fired.

History

Copper Enameling has been practiced for thousands of years, but there is currently no proof that enameling of glass on metal was practiced until after the death of Alexander the Great .

Around the world, thousands of enamellists practice their craft enameling on copper, silver, gold, steel or iron, and many other metals and alloys, utilizing many specialized glasses and a variety of temperature ranges. The textural qualities of glass, combined with the skills and ingenuity of the artist, create unique and very individual art form.

Enameling Defined

Metal enameling is a vitreous glass or combination of glasses fused to metal in an electric or gas-fired kiln. Fine art enamel is a comparatively "soft" glass composed of flint or sand, red lead, and soda or potash. When melted together and "cooked" for a time, they form a clear glass known as flux. The clear flux used for copper enameling has a slightly greenish or bluish cast which, when fired onto the copper, will slightly counteract the orange color of the copper. Clear flux is the base from which colored enamels are made. The bright colors of enamels are made by adding a coloring agent - a metallic oxide - added to the flux in the molten state. Some of the oxides used are: gold, platinum, iron, cobalt, uranium, antimony, tin, antimony and many others, some in combination. Opaque enamel colors are made by additional addition of calx (tine and lead calcined). White enamel, for instance, is made by adding stannic and arsenous acids to the flux. The vivid red enamel is made from gold. The quantity of acid added determines the density of the color.

At first enamels were originally used as a substitute for inlaid precious stones and later became a decorative medium in their own right. Some say that they reached their most ambitious and artistic form during the renaissance and through the 17th Century, but today's artists and craftsmen (and craftswomen) are increasingly embracing and continuing to explore the limitless creative possibilities of metal enameling.

Almost any metal can be enameled - - and the colors are permanent.

Techniques

There are many techniques used in applying enamels to the copper surface. Some well known techniques are Cloisonne, Champleve, Limoges, Basse Taille, Plique-A-Jour, Encrusted Enamels, Lineless Cloisonne and Scrolling. At Fantasy Glass Enameling, the most common techniques used are:

Lineless Cloisonne

The Earliest known record of this technique was in Japan in the 1800's. The design is done in layers, using stencil or freehand, usually with dry ground enamel colors. Each layer is fired separately.

Basse Taille

In this unusual method a design is engraved in the copper. Then an underglaze ink is applied to the engraved line and dried. Excess ink is removed by light sanding and the line image seems to disappear. A layer of transparent flux is applied and fired. The design now appears in the engraving, almost as if by magic! Then the development of other colors begins and there are many firings to develop each piece.

Swirling

This method, from my research, seems to have only recently (100 years?) been done, compared to many other classic techniques. It is my "freehand" working of the glass colors. It is often referred to as scrolling. A base coat or coats of powdered enamel is sifted onto the metal. Threads, frit (chunks) and other glasses such as melifiori (Italian glass extrusions and beads) may be added. The piece is placed into the kiln and heated. Upon fusion, additional heat is added directly to the piece and to the scrolling tool by using a hand-held torch, bringing the glass to a molten orange color. The colors disappear as the glass heats up and the glass is swirled while molten, forming flowing and free-form designs, the colors sometimes combining and sometimes not. Even if I "try", no two ever come out identical!

Care and handling of Fine Art Enamels

During its creation of repeated firings, the pure copper becomes annealed, or softened, and will bend easily compared to the drawn or tempered sheer metal that one starts with. The glass enamel, as it cools, acquires great surface tension, and will actually bend the copper as it cools. When cool it may easily crack or chip if carelessly handled. However, with care and occasional cleaning with a mild detergent, room temperature water and a lint-free cloth, the finish and vibrancy of colors will literally last for centuries. Although uniquely challenging in its creation, this medium can be forever! Continue to learn more about enameling, please visit Frame of Mindart Online.