Really interesting and informative, thank you. I'm inspired to try and create some abstract pieces by experimenting, some of the effects you got are really beautiful.

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Martyn, thanks for getting in touch. Great, I'm glad you're inspired - there are simply hundreds, if not thousands of computations that you could try. Some will be disappointing and others fantastic. I suggest you keep a notebook with your samples and make sure to include the sifter mesh size you used, the amount of time in the kiln, whether the enamel layer was thick, thin etc, and of course which enamels went on in what order. You think you'll remember...but you won't...! And it is a good idea to keep the samples that turn out ugly and awful because there are still a good reference for you.

Fantastic. Thank you so much

Beautiful!

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Corinne. I'm hoping to put up another video this week on creating warm blues...it will be an experiment...we'll see how that works out!

Helpful - some really interesting effects combining the two -- almost pottery glaze looking when you combine the two. Same with pottery glazes - lots of unexpected and attractive results.

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Karen, yes, you can get some great effects which keep on changing the more you fire the piece and the more enamels you add to the mix. That's why doing samples is so important because they effects can be unexpected -and welcome - or unexpected and not welcome!!!

Thank you really interesting very helpful

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

2 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome Glenda!

Love this video! Well explained. Many thanks. Just one query, for the first two layers applied as the base, the surface look un-even, not smooth. This is exactly the same effect when I experiment at home. Is this supposed to be like this, uneven and not smooth? Otherwise, how can we get the surface base to be completely smooth, or this is not possible? Many thanks.

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, yes, don't worry about the first few layers having an "orange peel" texture. Certain colours like red for example, burn off very easily...so, when I use red as the first layer, knowing that I'll be layering another red, then multiple layers and firings after that, I always "under fire" the piece so that it deliberately has a lumpy surface. I fire it just enough that the enamel is fused to the copper. When you are using multiple layers and doing multiple firings you should slightly under fire every layer except the last one - which you want to be smooth and glassy. Remember that every time you fire the piece some of the previous enamel will burn off. So layer 1 has been fired maybe 6 times, but layer 6 has only been fired once...

Bello!

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

What about PPE and precautions when handling leaded enamels?

@GeraldineMurphyEnamel

Жыл бұрын

Good question: I wear a mask when using leaded enamels and work with an air purifier switched on. When they’re fired leaded enamels are no longer toxic but it is the very fine particles which can stay in the air after sifting that you need to be careful of. Also, I sit on a stool that is much higher than the work top so I’m always above the powder…and never use them in a living space like a kitchen or living room - you need a dedicated space like a shed. Otherwise it is simply a matter of being careful and always cleaning up properly with wet paper towels. Unleaded enamels should also be used with caution though - I wear a mask with them also because while they don’t have lead they do have all sorts of other chemicals that you don’t want to inhale