Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Lampworking Tip n Tricks => Topic started by: Mand on January 28, 2011, 02:52:36 PM

Title: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Mand on January 28, 2011, 02:52:36 PM
Hi folks,

I was sent some surprise enamel powder today - P&T "Dark Orchid"104.  ;D

Please can anyone advise me on how to go about using it and annealing it?  Do I do the same process as for frit?  It's only a weeny tube, so I don't want to experiment randomly and waste it.  Would a lighter colour effetre or clear glass be best?

Any tips much appreciated.

Thanks,

Mand x
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Les on January 28, 2011, 03:13:32 PM
you can roll your bead in it ... or sprinkle little bits of it onto the bead for a more delicate coating .. you can flash it in the flame to leave a bit of texture, or melt it flat ... you can even 'boil' it for interesting effects ... to do that, just roll your bead in the enamel and quickly heat up the surface a bit closer to the torch face until you see it bubble :)

HTH ... I usually sprinkle my enamel powder onto a marver, or you could use a teaspoon to roll the bead in for better coverage.

Enamels do pose health issues if you use them a lot, so make sure you have adequate ventillation. If not, then use one of those disposable dust masks :)

Have fun ... I ADORE enamels :)
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Les on January 28, 2011, 03:14:11 PM
Oh and you can use them under frits too ... they break the surface of the bead up a treat and the effects can be lovely :)
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Margram on January 28, 2011, 03:42:01 PM
And you can dip a clear rod in them (having melted a clear blob) and pull a wispy stringer :)
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Mand on January 28, 2011, 03:52:58 PM
Oh brill, thanks a million ladies!  Can't wait to try it out tomorrow when I've planned some shed time.  ;D
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Les on February 05, 2011, 08:16:45 AM
Did you get to have a play ? :)
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on February 05, 2011, 09:44:02 AM
We should have an enamel show and tell shouldnt we, that stuff is fab
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Mand on February 05, 2011, 10:00:13 AM
Hiya,

No, sadly I've no time this week to get out in the shed. :(    I'm hoping to get some "me" time on Monday. 

- I think a S&T for enamels would be fab Tan.  :)
#
:-*
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: Les on February 05, 2011, 11:05:46 AM
Quote from: Tan on February 05, 2011, 09:44:02 AM
We should have an enamel show and tell shouldnt we, that stuff is fab

I might have one to photograph later to start one off :)
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: kerensky on February 05, 2011, 11:29:48 AM
Ooooo I made an focal with Enamel last night - rushes off to find camera battery.....
Title: Re: Enamel powder .... how to use?
Post by: ♥♥Tan♥♥ on February 05, 2011, 11:34:38 AM
There ya go then ;D