Tutorial 3: Overlapping Opaque and Transparent Enamels

Tutorial 3: Overlapping Transparent (T) and Opaque (O) Enamels
Enamel: Soft White (O), Peridot (T), Glacier (T) and Pale Yellow (O) (all leaded) from Milton Bridge in the UK and 2030 Transparent Flux from Thompson Enamels in the USA (unleaded), liquid base coat/counter enamel from WG Ball (unleaded).
Metal: Copper that is 3x4 inches and 1.2mm thick
Firings: 6
Kiln Temp: 800˚ Celsius (approx. 1450˚ Fahrenheit)
Firing Times: 1.30 mins for initial firings up to 2 mins for the subsequent firings and 4 mins for the last firing.
Links: www.milton-bri...
Key takeaways: Leaded enamel sifted and fired onto unleaded enamel creates a halo.
Transparent enamels need to be fired onto a flux layer otherwise they get murky.
Flux in enamelling terms should not be confused with flux used for soldering in silver and goldsmithing. They are entirely different things.
Transparents are at their best when used on fine silver and gold. They tend to be quite muted on copper - there are always exceptions though!
Overfiring your piece will result in some areas burning off, other areas changing colours but can give beautiful texture and depth to a piece.
Visit www.geraldinemurphyenamels.com to view and purchase my work.

[@xander9564]

Excellent enjoyable tutorial. Intruiging and relaxing how you demonstrate and discuss the process. I love how the piece turned out, too ... lovely.

[@Creativeassemblages]

So clear in your directions. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on enamelling

[@barbarasimoes9463]

Thank you. Here's a tip for you: I have a steel bench block; I think it's stainless steel. When stuff comes out of the kiln, I transfer it right on to that and the pieces cool down SO fast. Almost by the time I've put down my giant tweezers, the piece is cool enough to touch. It pulls the heat right out.

[@kimreynolds742]

Loving your videos Geraldine. Picking up some good tips too.

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

Great Kim, I'm very glad.

[@ginwin27]

Just discovered your videos Geraldine and I’m so pleased! Just what I was looking for, thank you so much!

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

So glad - thanks !

[@gregbrowning5437]

Another wonderful video. Thanks.

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

You're very welcome Greg!

[@isab6521]

Thank you very much for your video, I understand better now why my transparent enamels didn't behave the way I wished them to! I'm going to try right now using the flux. I subscribe to your channel. Oh and I really LOVE your work!

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

Thanks Isa! Yes, flux is absolutely imperative - there are various fluxes, some for silver and gold, some specifically for copper and some will give a golden look so have a shop around. Even when I use leaded enamels I tend to use the Thompson fluxes which are unleaded - because they have a lovely colour. But do various tests on offcuts and then you'll be able to decide. Transparent enamels tend to like being fired at a slightly higher temperature than opaque enamels and the longer you fire them the more vibrant they tend to be.

[@mikealman9259]

I love experimenting so found this fascinating, love your videos Geraldine (and your beautiful accent lol) thank u :@)

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

Ha ha! Thanks Mike and I'm delighted you got something from this video. I'll be uploading more soon...

[@helenrobey3429]

Yes pls vid for leaded and unleade

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

Great idea Helen - I use both and often use them in combination. There is a big difference between the outcomes as to whether the leaded is under or over. I'll get onto making that video this week. Keep the suggestions coming!

[@FridayFrida]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

You're very welcome Frida!

[@brian2007tube]

Yet again your video is just what I was looking for. My transparent colours over white were very 'spotty'. From this video I will try sifting the transparent much finer (200?). Does that explain why I was getting such spotty transparent colours over opaque white (on copper).

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

I can explain it but sometimes it doesn't matter what mesh size the sifter is, it just matters what the chemical composition is (that will depend on the colours you
e using) and which enamels are combined with which. The different combinations are literally endless so when you are doing samples keep a notebook!

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

*it can explain it...

[@lorenacastillo-oe7tp]

Hola!!!me encanta tu trabajo,gracias por compartir tus proyectos! Saludos desde Chile🇨🇱

[@GeraldineMurphyEnamel]

De nada - you're welcome!

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Like watching magic