<Torch Firing:
ENAMELING WITH A TORCH
Preparing Copper and Torch Enameling
The Four Heating Stages of Torch Enameling
The four stages that enamels move through during the heating process are sugar, orange peel, full fuse and over fired. As you learn how to torch fire enamel, you’ll begin to recognize each stage in the enameling heating process.
Things to look out for when Torch Firing
- Holding your metal piece in place with tweezers, paint or spray on a thin layer of your holding agent.
- Before applying the enamel to the metal’s surface, it helps to lay down scrap paper to catch any debris as you apply the enamel powder, as this can then be reused at a later date.
- Sift the enamel powder onto the metal surface. This will ensure that the enamel particles are distributed evenly by filtering out larger particles. When sifting enamel powder, it is recommended that a respirator mask is used, to avoid the inhalation of any glass particles.
- Once applied, you’ll need to wait for the holding agent to dry. This can be done quickly by very gently heating the underside of the metal with your torch on a very low flame.
- Start moving your torch in a circular motion, moving the flame across the piece of metal gently. As the metal begins to heat up, the various stages of enameling will begin to emerge.
The Four Heating Stages of Torch Enameling
The four stages that enamels move through during the heating process are sugar, orange peel, full fuse and over fired. As you learn how to torch fire enamel, you’ll begin to recognize each stage in the enameling heating process.
- The stage that is commonly referred to as sugar resembles fine sugar.
- Orange peel resembles a bumpy but glossy orange peel.
- The full fuse stage is when the enamel appears smooth and shiny.
- Over fired is when small pits start to appear in the surface – the edges of the piece you’re working on may change color slightly too.
Things to look out for when Torch Firing
- When you start the first stage of heating your metal, you may find that the side that does not yet have any enamel on will become blackened by the heat of your torch. This can be avoided by applying ball clay to the back of your metal – this will protect it during firing.
- Once you’ve reached the stage in the heating process that is required for your design, you can now move the flame away from the metal. You will then need to let your metal cool before adding any other layers of enamel to your piece. It is recommended that you enamel both sides of your metal work (also referred to as counter enamel) as this can help to reduce the chance of any warping or cracking.
- After each stage of firing the enamel, you may need to file the edges of the metal piece to remove any traces of oxidization or stray bits of enamel.
- Add two or three layers of enamel, depending on the effect you would like to achieve.
- Most importantly, remember to experiment. Learning how to torch fire enamel can take some practice but the best way to teach yourself is to continue to work with different colors, layering techniques and finishes.