Enamelling Techniques

The toolbar below of enamelling techniques is gradually being added to, some links are not active yet.

Cloisonne

Champleve

Plique a jour

Grisalle

Painting

Freestyle

Raku

Enamelling is a fascinating subject which draws you in ever deeper. Whether you are attracted to the bright sharp colours in a painterly block or just a few dicreet sprinkles is a matter of taste but the perception of mass produced one tone items is and has changed thankfully for good.

Click here for A Brief History of how enamelling has evolved.

Cloisonne is inlay work, the 'cloisonnes' are shapes made from wire in either silver, gold or copper and partly fused into a layer of enamel, the piece is fired and then more enamel is used to fill up to the top of the wire, it is then fired again. The cloisons seperate different coloured enamels and stop them blending into one another.

Champleve is the engraving, etching or repousse method to pattern, ridge or shape the metal and then transparent enamel is placed over the design.

Plique a jour is the use of transparent enamels without backing, a water based glue is used to suspend the enamel between soldered cloisons or etched metal, to give a stained glass effect.

Grisalle A black layer of opaque enamel is first applied and then light layers of white to give a monochrome effect. The technique is generally worked in greys.

Painting A base coat is applied and the fine enamels are mixed with an organic oil like lavender and painted onto the base coat.

Freestyle an innovative new way of enamelling shedding the constraints of traditional techniques. To find out more click through. Freestyle.

Raku is now practiced amongst enamellers. The technique was first discovered in Japan amongst the ceramics industry. It gives the enamels a lustre and finish which is unpredictable but interesting. To find out more click through. Raku