Working with Transparent Enamels Part 2 -The Use of Flux with Transparent Enamels on Copper
by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
This part of the Transparent Enamel Series covers shaping metal for enameling as well as the use of flux (Note: This is not the type flux used in soldering but rather a form of clear enamel). The information includes step-by-step directions for making a pair of earrings or preparing disks for a sampler necklace.
Forming the metal
I am using disks for my series projects and it is helpful to give these a slightly domed shape to improve their strength and stability. Cut two or more disks in the size of your choice and punch appropriate holes. For earrings, one hole is needed on each disk; however, two holes are required for the necklace. Position these holes slightly above the midpoint of the disk to help them hang correctly. I usually use the 1/8" or smaller punch for the holes. (see the video by Kim St. Jean showing how to use hole punch ) (Note: I do have to be quite careful that the holes are not too close to the edge of the piece. The enamel needs sufficient surface to adhere or it will chip off.)
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Place each disk in the largest part of the dapping block and gently hammer the largest punch working around the edges of the disk first. You want to create a slight contour. The second photo shows the contrast of the domed disk on the left versus the flat disk on the right.
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Some enamellers like to clean the copper at this point; however, in my opinion this is unnecessary as the heat from the torch will burn off oil and fingerprints. Yet, if you want to take this step, it won't deter the process. The exception for me is when there is obviously something on the copper that might cause problems.

If you are new to torch enameling or want a quick refresher, please refer to my tutorial on torch firing opaque enamels

It might seem logical to discuss the "direct on copper" use of transparents at this point; however, I use a liquid enamel counter-enamel for that technique and we are not including liquid enamel techniques in this series.

Safety

This is just a reminder that you are responsible for safety in your own workspace. I can't emphasize enough the need for wearing a mask when sifting and wearing dark safety glasses when doing torch enameling. Clear safety glasses are not sufficient to prevent eye damage. I always have a quench bowl (receptacle of water) in my torch area, a fire extinguisher near at hand and work in a well-ventilated area where the fumes can escape. For this project, I am using a propane/oxygen torch. If you are making small pieces, you may find a large butane torch adequate and an oxy-acetylene torch also works as does map gas.
Enameling the Disk(s): Please see the torch set-up found in the above-mentioned tutorial on opaque enamels.

Counter-enameling, the process of firing coats of enamel on the backside of metal pieces, is explained in the above-mentioned tutorial. Fire two coats of counter-enamel on the concave side of the project disks and place the disks in the pickle (used in soldering) to remove the fire scale on the front side. Leave them in the pickle until all the fire scale clears. Rinse the disks in water and dry.
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Transparent enamel on copper allows the surface beneath to show through. This can be both a blessing and a curse since oxides from the copper will show through the transparents, affecting their color, unless we take measures to prevent this.
Sift a coat of flux (I'm using transparent 2030 Medium Fusing Flux.) on the top of the counter-enameled disk and fire past maturity (over-fire) until the piece turns red and then clears. Through this process, the flux absorbs the metal oxides. If oxide is still visible post cooling, fire the piece again. Then clean any oxidation from the sides of the disk or hole area with an alundum stone, file or sanding paper, before continuing.
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Sift and fire a coat of transparent enamel atop the flux. It may take more than one coat to achieve the color you want. If you want more color add another coat of transparent enamel. The first example, which I'm using for earrings, shows one coat of transparent Gem Green 2325 fired over the flux. The other photo shows one coat of transparent Raspberry 2836 over flux on the left disk while the right disk is an example of one coat of transparent Turquoise 2435 over flux.
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I hope you will give the process described herein a try as this prepares you for Part III of the series. It will expand on the use of transparent enamels on textured and embossed metal.

Materials

Metal Discs -- Copper - 11/16" (package of 10)
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Tools

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8 Punch Dapping Set
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1660 Ultramarine Blue Thompson Opaque Enamel
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1708 Pastel Pink Thompson Opaque Enamel
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1995 Black Thompson Opaque Enamel
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  • Category: Enamel
  • Technique(s): Enamel