Enamelling is a jewellery making technique used to add both colour and texture to precious metal pieces. The enamelling process involves fusing tiny glass particles with heat to form a solid layer of colour onto a variety of different metals, such as copper, silver and gold.
For professional results, the right enamelling equipment is essential. From kilns and enamelling colours through to enamelling sifters and paintbrushes, we’ll guide you through the essential enamelling tools and equipment you need to get started.
Essential Enamelling Tools
Sieves
Used for sifting enamels onto your designs and ensuring an even coverage, enamel sifters come in a range of sizes to cover small or large surfaces.
Gum Solution
Gum solutions can be applied to the surface of the metal to form an adhesive for the enamel powders to stick to and is particularly useful when enamelling on curved or domed surfaces. It can also be used as an adhesive on wires used in Cloisonné enamelling.
Scrolling tool
Used to add decorative patterns and designs to enamels during the fusing process. The right-angled point at the end of the scrolling tool enables movement through the molten enamel to create marble effects, swirling patterns and much more.
Kiln
Used to fuse the enamel powders to the metal. A kiln is preferable when enamelling complex or larger designs as these provide more stable hot temperatures needed to ensure the fusing process goes smoothly.
Firing Stilts
Firing stilts are used to support pieces whilst being fired in the kiln. This is needed to provide a raised surface that allows heat to circulate around the piece and ensure an even fire.
Other enamelling items you will need:
- Hand torch
- Protective heat boards
- Firing mesh
- Kiln tongs
- Pestle and Mortar
- Paintbrushes
- Palette knife
- Small pots
- Glass brush
- Wet and dry paper
- Diagrit
- Abrasives, like wet and dry paper
Setting up your enamelling equipment and workspace
Kilns and enamel are safe to use in the workshop or at home, providing health and safety procedures are followed. For a productive and safe environment, set your enamelling tools up in a clean and tidy work area – such as a table or work bench with suitable heat protective surfaces – as well as good ventilation and protective enamelling equipment.
You will find all the torch-fired enamel supplies you need in our extensive range of enamelling supplies. In the collection, you will discover all of the enamelling equipment you need to create bespoke jewellery as well as our range of enamelling books.
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