Enamelling on Three Dimensional Surfaces

For the most part, enamelling on 3D, formed, or domed surfaces is like enamelling flat. You follow all of the same steps- clean the metal, agar, put on the enamel fire, clean, etc.

A couple of things are trickier with curves however…

Enamelling on the convex surface:

• When enamelling on the convex side, make sure that your enamel layers are as even as you can make them. Enamelling on the outside of the curve creates more stress on the enamel, making uneven surfaces prone to cracking during cooling.
• If sifting- make sure that you are get a good coat on the entire surface. It’s very easy to get a nice coat on the top and sparse on the sides. Hold the piece on a couple fingers and sift with your other hand to help get an even coat.
• Wet packing the enamel is usually easier than sifting with formed surfaces.
• To smooth the convex surface after firing, use the alundum stones or the diamond pad files.

Enamelling on the concave side:

• When enamelling on the concave side of a form, you can sometimes skip the counter enamel. Because of the way the tension works, the form is curving with the tension of the enamel. If you aren’t putting many layers of color on, you do not need to counter enamel.  Wet packing is certainly the preferred method for applying the enamel. Make sure to wick away the excess water while packing to insure that your enamel doesn't slide to the bottom.
• When firing, be extra careful not to over fire, as gravity does take effect if the enamel is left in the kiln long enough, and it will pull away from the higher areas into the lower ones.
• To smooth out the enamel- you can use the alundum stones as they take the shape of what you are stoning with them- you will notice that a couple of them have rounded ends. Also use the diamond burs in the flexshaft. It will take some practice to control them.

It is very important on formed surfaces to have a good coat of KlyrFire. Depending on the form, you may not need to use a trivet when firing, or you may need to customize a rivet to suspend your piece. Make sure to clean the edges of the form for a more professional look.