Tutorial 5: Sgraffito Using Liquid Enamel
Enamel: 772 Black Liquid Enamel, Sunset
Orange, Buttercup Yellow, Marigold, Flame Orange, all opaque from Thompson Enamels in the USA (unleaded).
Metal: Copper that is 3x3 inches and 1.2mm thick
Firings: 5
Kiln Temp: 800˚ Celsius (approx. 1450˚ Fahrenheit)
Firing Times: 1.30 mins for initial firings up to 2 mins for the last firing.
Links: www.thompsonenamels.com
Key takeaways: The black liquid enamel is mixed with rice water. Boil rice and scoop some of the starchy water off. Keep the liquid quite thin - thinner than pouring cream. Apply with a spoon or lollipop stick. Tap the tile to even out the surface. Leave on the kiln to dry.
Use any sharpish implement to scratch the surface of the unfired black enamel to reveal the colours underneath. Do it gently so as not to chip bits off.
Fire for 2 minutes.
Wear a dust mask when mixing the liquid enamel with rice water because it is very fine and the particles will blow around.
Liquid enamel does not dissolve in the water - it is suspended, so it is more a matter of "pushing" it around the tile rather than painting it on.
Visit www.geraldinemurphyenamels.com to view and purchase my work.