Enamel Science

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2. Enamel Science: Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’

Cloisonné enameling is not just an art—it’s also a science. When materials are exposed to heat, chemical changes occur. Understanding these transformations allows you to troubleshoot and refine your process with confidence.

In this class, you’ll learn about 2 Enamel Science Concepts:

• Variables—anything that you can change that will create a different result.
• Principles—the natural laws that guide how enameling works, helping you move with them rather than against them.

For me, one of the most important questions in enameling is: "What does it depend on?". Does it depend on the firing temperature? If so, what happens when I change it? When you understand the Variables you can imagine possible options. 
​ When you understand the principles you prevent problems before they occur.  No more guesswork—just informed, intentional creativity.

Change the variables and
​change your results.

• Type of enamel
• Layer thickness
• Enamel grain size
• Firing temperature
• Firing time
• Type of metal

Learn the Principles and understand the WHY?

• Chemical Reactions
• Eutectic Bonds
• Transparency & Air Bubbles
• Thermal Expansion/ Cracking
• Firing Stages 
• ​Time/Temp Relationship

Enamel Science
​helps you ask and answer questions like these...

How hot and how long do I heat this piece?
Do I need enamel on the back of the piece? Why or why not?
How thick or thin do I apply the enamel?
Can I mix these two colors together?
Why did the pink enamel turn orange?
How can I keep from over-firing my pieces?
Why did "that" happen?

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