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Mixing Glass Enamels
This
is part two of a two part series. Click here to go to part
one, which covers the basic supplies needed for mixing glass enamels.
Begin the mixing process by placing a
small amount of the glass enamel powder on your glass palette.
One teaspoon (5 ml) is a good quantity to start with. Just
heap the powder in the center of the palette and make a small cavity
or depression in middle. Fill the hole with your chosen medium
(it should just take a few drops).
Now use the palette knife to spread the
liquid throughout the enamel. You want to mix the two
thoroughly until all of the powder is moistened. If there are
lumps or areas where the powder is clumped together, smooth them out
by firmly pressing the palette knife against the powder on the
glass. You may need to add another drop or two of the binder.
The right consistency for the enamel is
when it is about the thickness of cream. All of the powder
should be smooth and moist. Scoop a bit up on the end of the
palette knife and watch it drip back to the glass palette. It
should fall in heavy drops. If it refuses to fall, it's too
thick. If it drips quickly or falls in a stream, then it's too
thin and you'll need to add a bit more dry powder.
Once the enamel is mixed to the right
consistency, it's ready to use. Leftover powder can be stored
in a capped glass jar or other container. If the container is
airtight, it will last for months. And even if it dries out a
bit, it can be reconstituted by adding some more binder.
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Copyright 2006 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
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