Technique Focus: Enamelling

Traditional enamelling in simple terms is the fusing of tiny glass particles with heat to form a solid layer of colour onto a metal background. It can be matt, shiny, opaque or translucent, and comes in a wide selection of colours and finishes. There are a number of different techniques which can be used to actually apply the enamel, a selection are listed below: Cloisonné – Cloisonné enamelling uses thin wires to create separate sections on a metal backing, which are then filled with different colours of enamel. The wires remain visible in the finished piece. Champlevé – Champlevé enamelling involves the carving or etching of troughs into the metal surface, which are then filled with enamel. The remainder of the metal design stands proud, leaving the enamel decorating only the indented design. Painted Enamel – Painted enamel is exactly that, and utilises the enamel as a painting medium in the place of any other artist’s material. This technique requires an exceptional level of skill. Plique A Jour – Plique A Jour uses the same technique as Cloisonné by using metal wires to create individual cells, the only difference being that this technique does not use any backing, allowing the light to shine directly through the enamel similar in effect to stained glass windows. Tiny particles of enamel can be used dry as a powder which is often sieved onto the metal surface, or wet as a paste or liquid which is created by adding a binder such as an organic gum which can then applied with a fine brush. Particles must be ground to an ultra-fine consistency with a pestle and mortar, and thoroughly washed with distilled water at regular intervals to keep everything scrupulously clean. The method used depends on your skill level and also the desired end result, but I would suggest that beginners attempt either Cloisonné or Champlevé in the initial instance.

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