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I have worked out a way to use screen printing methods so as to 'print' on metal, using dry enamels. It is based on using screens made out of material that is coarse enough to let dry enamel go through it. Designs can be masked into the screens using photo emulsion. Using this method, one can apply dry enamels, and have good spatial control over where the enamel goes.... (1993) Complete Story
The question about the differences between lead bearing and lead free enamel is the same as the questions about the difference between lead bearing and lead bearing, or between lead free and lead free. There are more differences between enamelists than there are between enamels when it comes to fiction versus fact. Assuming that both of what is being compared are of equal quality, there can be only one source for any major disparity aside from the initial manufacture of a specific vitreous enamel batch, in which case the results would be generally the same. The ability and knowledge of the person enameling becomes the central issue and source for the differences aside from the technical/chemical facts.... (1991) Complete Story
Enamel technique has progressed in a logical and practical direction through the ages, advancing when inspiration, need or new technology permitted. Modern technology has indeed given us new approaches to technique but only from the grounded foundation of knowledge that existed before.... (1993) Complete Story
The traditional method of enamel preparation was described by Cunynghame and Chapin. Large chunks of enamel were wrapped in a piece of cloth and broken with a hammer. The cloth was to prevent the particles from flying about, getting into one's eye or being lost. When the enamel had been broken into pieces about the size of a pea, they were washed to remove any lint.... (1982) Complete Story
Sifting is the process of dropping and catching falling enamel particles. The control factors are mesh size of the enamel; mesh size of the screen; the load of the sifter; the size and shape of the surface to be covered; the use or non-use of a holding agent; the desired pattern; the application evenness and thickness and personal motor skills.... (1983) Complete Story
