SerenaFenton

Enameling is the ancient art of melting finely powdered glass onto metal. This is then heated up, either in a kiln or with a torch to a temperature of 1500 degrees, until the glass enamel melts and fuses to the metal. An enamel base of 2-3 coats on each side is created (and fired) before the painting begins.

Painting on glass is done using thin layers of oxides, which are then melted into the glass.If I use too little oxide pigment, the color will be weak. But too much oxide can't be absorbed into the glass substrate during firing. Excess pigment results in a powdery surface which must be thrown out and started over.

It can take several layers of painting and firing to get the colorsstrong and the images correct. The paint is then sealed with a final coat of finely powdered glass and receives a final firing. Vitreous enamel painting is a slow, ancient art, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.