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PLIQUE-À-JOUR

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This is a style of enamelling, whereby transparent enamel is used to fill holes / hollow shapes, giving a stained glass effect. The sample opposite, shows a simple piece of copper jewellery, with holes / hollows filled with transparent enamel.  
 
 
 
The hollows / holes of the annealed copper blank, are cut with a piercing saw. Needle files are then used to smooth the edges.
     
 
 
 

The copper is prepared for enamelling, by thorough cleaning (pickle bath, washing, pumice powder, washing etc...), removing the grease and dirt. It is then placed on a mica (silicate material) or titanium (high temperature metal) backing sheet. Enamel cannot stick to these materials.

The enamel is mixed with water or a klyr-fire gum solution, into a paste and applied to the holes with a paint brush.

Firing of the enamel takes place in a kiln.

 
     
The enamelling process is repeated, until the enamel is the same thickness as the copper.
A final firing should produce a ‘full fuse’ (smooth finish).
 
 
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