Your Step By Step Guide To Enamelling Jewellery
Previously on The Bench we gave you the basic introduction to Efcolor Enamelling. Read on to learn more from the next part of our guide which will include the steps to take when creating enamelled jewellery at home…
Getting Started with Enamelling Jewellery
Once you have everything you need, you can get started on creating professional enamelled jewellery. Whether you’ve tried creating enamelled jewellery before, have taken a beginners course, or are completely new to jewellery making, Efcolor Enamel powders are easy to work with and a great way to create professional looking enamelled jewellery.
The key point to note is that with Efcolor Enamels you don’t need any expensive equipment or an industrial stove. The Efcolor Enamels can be fired at 150°c for which a home oven or special tea light stove can be used. Alternatively, you could use or Efcolor stove – perfect for creating home enamelled jewellery.
How to Enamel Jewellery
Ready to create enamelled jewellery? Follow our simple steps for easy home jewellery enamelling tips and techniques.
Step 1
It is important that the blank you use for your enamel jewellery is as clean as possible. Check that it is free from dust and any other debris and/or marks.
Take a small piece of sanding paper and sand down your chosen blank – this will ensure that the enamelling powder will easily stick to your blank.
Step 2
Place your jewellery blank on a piece of paper – this is to ensure that any excess enamel powder can be recovered. When you are ready, you can now begin layering your powder on to the blank.
Using a sieve to spread your enamelling powder will help to achieve an even layer.
It is important to ensure that you have an even layer of enamel powder. Do not use too much and try to avoid making your powder lumpy as this will not get the best results.
You can:
- Use on colour on the entire blank
- Powder through a stencil to get a specific design and/or shape
- Use mesh wire and or gauges to get a unique effect
- Use a barrier to allow you to use different shades of enamelling colours on each side.
Step 3
Once you are happy with the way your enamel powder looks, the next step is lifting it on to a firing plate and placing it in the stove.
For curved shaped jewellery blanks or for blanks with vertical sides, use the adhesive for Efcolor. Easy to use, the adhesive is designed to ensure that enamel does not fall off. Place a thin layer of the adhesive onto the jewellery blank and leave for 5-10 minutes before you begin enamelling jewellery.
The enamel will take no longer then a few minutes until it has melted and looks smooth and glossy. Simply leave it to cool before you apply a second coat.
For a second coat, you will only need a light layer of enamel powder- follow the same steps but be careful as the thin layer will melt quickly the second time around!
Once melted, leave to cool and you should be left with a glossy piece of enamelled jewellery.
Note: If you have a fan oven it is important to figure out the best place to put your firing plate to ensure that your enamelling powder is not blown off.
Step 4
Depending on your design or the jewellery blank you are using, you may decide that your piece will look good with Efcolor enamel on both sides. In order to enamel the back of your piece without melting the front you will need a firing stand. This will elevate your piece to ensure that the enamel on the back of your piece can be fired without the risk of melting the front.
Simply follow the first steps and enamel the back as you did the front, placing your chosen piece on the firing stand and heat in the oven for a few minutes or until melted.
Once you are happy with your enamelled jewellery blank you can begin experimenting with your piece – either use string or chain to insert to create a bracelet or necklace or use hook wires to create earrings.
Now you’ve learnt how to enamel jewellery you can make several enamelled blanks and enamelled charms or pair with a range of other gems and charms to create a truly unique piece. Making enamelled jewellery has never been easier.
If you fancy giving jewellery enamelling a go for yourself, take a look at our full range of Efcolor Enamels, Kits and Accessories on the Cooksongold website – and don’t forget your all important Enameller’s Tool Kit too.
Cooksongold