Enameling is a fascinating technique full of possibilities, but not always forgiving. Although it seems simple, a layer of enamel, a few minutes in the oven and the work is done, the reality in the workshop can be completely different. The enamel cracks, bubbles, does not adhere well or changes its shade in the end.
These are all normal things, especially when you're just starting out, and the good news is that many of them can be avoided or corrected. Here are the most common problems encountered in enameling and practical solutions that can help you stay calm and your pieces intact.
Enamel cracks after firing
What it looks like: fine or deep cracks, sometimes visible immediately after cooling, sometimes only after a few hours or days.
Why it happens:
- The enamel was applied in too thick a layer
- The metal base did not expand evenly during firing
- The metal is not of uniform thickness
- The metal is too thin and no counter enamel has been applied.
- The cooling was too sudden
- Incompatible emails were used
What you can do:
- Apply the enamel in thin, even layers; finish the piece for leveling
- If the metal is too thin, apply counter-enamel (can also be applied after enamel has been applied to the front of the piece)
- Let the piece cool slowly on the support it was fired on.
- Test the compatibility between enamels if you use multiple colors on the same piece
- If cracks appear on the edges, make sure the piece has been properly finished.
- For Champlevé or Plique-à-Jour techniques, avoid cells with too sharp corners.
Air bubbles appear in the enamel
What it looks like: small craters or bumps on the enamel surface, like blisters.
Why it happens:
- The metal surface has been contaminated (oil, dust, grease)
- The enamel was not sieved or washed before use.
- The enamel was applied too thickly or not compacted properly.
- The enamel was over-burned
What you can do:
- Clean the metal surface very well before application
- Sift the enamel through a fine sieve (325 mesh) or wash it to remove impurities.
- Apply the enamel in thin layers and compact it lightly with a soft brush or, if applied wet, gently vibrate the piece.
The final color is not as expected
What it looks like: the enamel changes its shade from the initial appearance or from the sample on the sample.
Why it happens:
- Over-firing (too high temperature) — the enamel takes on a “fried egg” appearance at the edges
- The enamel is not compatible with the type of metal or alloy
- Some opaque enamels become transparent after firing
- Transparent enamel applied over an oxidized or dark base
What you can do:
- Check the actual oven temperature with a pyrometer
- Test enamels on small pieces of metal before the final piece
- Consult the instructions on our website for each type of email.
- Note the temperature, time and order of application of the layers.
- For an intense and clean color, apply an opaque white base coat under the transparent enamels.
- Avoid applying warm-toned enamels (red, orange, yellow) directly to silver.
Enamel does not adhere to metal
What it looks like: the enamel exfoliates, falls off or remains unstable on the surface of the piece.
Why it happens:
- The metal was not cleaned properly
- Metal is not compatible with enameling
- The enamel has been contaminated with oils from brushes or hands
- The combustion was incomplete (granular appearance)
What you can do:
- Degreases and deoxidizes the metal surface by pickling and brushing with a fiberglass brush
- Clean the piece thoroughly and avoid touching it with bare hands.
- Use clean brushes dedicated to enameling
- Use only distilled water for wet enameling
- Check if combustion is complete and the temperature is correct
- Check the type of metal — avoid zinc alloys (brass, bronze, etc.) as they are not enamel-friendly (read more here)
Enamel swells, bubbles or flows during firing
What it looks like: the enamel flows outside the applied area or forms waves.
Why it happens:
- The enamel was applied too thickly or too wet.
- Pre-drying time was insufficient
- The piece was placed in the oven in an inclined position
What you can do:
- Let each layer dry completely before firing (you can use an absorbent towel)
- Avoid prolonged drying of the piece directly in the oven
- Apply the enamel in moderate amounts.
- Place the piece perfectly horizontally in the oven, on stable supports
Conclusion
Enameling is a painstaking but rewarding technique. Every mistake becomes a lesson, and over time you will learn to anticipate problems and avoid them. Remember that there is no perfection in handmade art, but there is beauty in every learning process.
Be patient with yourself, write down every experience, and don't give up. Sometimes, it's the little imperfections that give a piece of work its unique character.
