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Hi! You can find small cheap ones on Amazon, but I find the best results with the traditional larger size sold at companies like Thompson Enamel. thompsonenamel.com/product/b-3-standard-glass-brush/

Hi Stephanie! Welcome to this fun rabbit hole!!! A general timeframe is 2-3 minutes. However, this is a tricky question because it actually occurs when the glass gets to the right temperature to clear the oxides from it. There are a few things that can change results, including the thickness of your metal, size of the piece you are firing, and the color you are working with. For example, thinner/smaller pieces of copper heat up faster than thicker/larger pieces. And, as an example, with Thompson unleaded clear 2030 takes longer to melt than their blue transparents do. With enameling, other crazy factors like room temperature, how long your kiln has been on, even barometric pressure can mess with your results. This is the science part of the art you'll start to grasp over time 💕 I'm one to encourage experimenting and testing to learn. What I would suggest here is to make some test samples changing up variables like thickness, shape, and color. Observe what you discover and save those samples and notes for future reference. Can't tell you how many times my notebook of experiments has saved me frustration when making something new 💕

@@10Gables Thank you so much!

Thanks so much 😁

Hi! Probably possible? Flame painting is more mutable (i.e. color changes rapidly depending on several factors), so you'd probably want to try that as a secondary action after enameling. You will need to consider melt temperatures of the glass and interaction with your torch gas as you do it, too. Looking forward to hearing how your experiments go!

Thanks! 💕

Hi! You can use copper, but it does require more heat to melt. You will also have oxidation. Have fun!

Aww - Thank you so much for your kind words. Have fun with your enameling journey!

😁 Glad I could help! I have another video with some ideas of how to learn more about it with some good books and instructors I've met along the way. Hope you have fun with your accidental kiln!!! czcams.com/video/28djV12rJPI/video.htmlsi=4V9fVxVXOMEaxoW4

Thanks for the tips!!!

Thank you 💕

Thanks! Good tip re: packing tape 👌

Hi @Shukarr! One idea would be to take an old pair of pliers to pre-shape the molten ball of silver. Let it cool slightly, then squish the ball with your pliers while the lump of metal is still workable. There is a risk of removing the tenper from the steel plier tips, which is why I suggested using an old pair you don't use.

Try making a paste with citric acid and a bit of water instead 😊

These are simple demo pieces, so no need for it. I do use it for higher domes, to secure counter enamel when firing at the same time, amd will also use it as a light adhesive. It is also good for mixing with a bit of Thompson Luster (or other mica products), Mason stains, or painting enamels as a medium for painting, stenciling, or stamping.

Aww - thank you so much 💗

Thank you! I haven't tried this, but have heard using glass etching cream will create an even matte surface. What I've done personally is use diamond grit sponges or my JoolTool with the extra fine diamond sanding disc to make a matte finish.

Glad it was helpful!

You are welcome! I put together a nice inspiration board on Pinterest for the Ohio Valley Enameling Guild featuring rivets and tab settings. It is here if you are interested: pin.it/PbZwrpG

Hahahah! Truth 😀

Welcome to the fun world of enameling :) So glad you are enjoying your experiments and can't wait to see what you make!!!

I included links to everything shown in the video description so you can get to all the products from there 💕 That piece is called a benchmate pin plate set. Please read the product description carefully at Rio or GRS as it may not work in other vises. Hope this helps!

@@10Gablesah thank you, I didn’t see the description. That’s really helpful, unfortunately I can’t find it in the UK. Thank you

Thanks! I have tried using domong pinches, but personally found them more challenging because they wanted to roll for me, but try it because it might work for you 😊 I have also used 3-in-1 oil for these and it works. I would presume any kind of oil used in the shop to keep metal from overheating and rusting would do just fine. I have been using Pepe Tools' new Blade Butter product for sawing and drilling lately, and ig may also work, but it could be challenging to clean out enough not to leave lumpy residue here and there. I'm not sure about the cat... don't have one, and it's been a few years since I made the video 🤣🤣

Glad it was helpful!

Welcome! Yes, you can.

Not really sure if you're trying to say enameling is weird or just that you like what you're seeing here (sans the terrible music...you can read my comments about that for people who made gnarly responses about it - haha) :D Anyway - enameling has been around for thousands of years, so welcome to history if you're aiming to try!

Can't wait to hear how your mermaid turns out! If you are interested in more about skin tones, I highly recommend a class with Merry Lee Rae. She's a well respected cloisonne enamel artist and makes gorgeous mermaids :)

Hi! If I have tool recommendations associated with videos, I usually create a PDF you can download on my site and link to it in the description here on CZcams. Hope this helps!

You are welcome and thanks for reaching out 💕 Try searching for 'white Gelly Roll pen' to find the right product. I know that particular brand name has titanium in it...but I don't think they market it that way.

Thank you! You can use a torch to do this, but it may discolor the edges of the enamel. I use a kiln to achieve the combo for those pieces.

Thank you Chris @@10Gables

I hope you enjoy it as much as your lampworking 💕💕💕

@@10Gables I'n certain I will! I'm hoping to add lampwork decoration to the enamelled copper pieces by torch-firing. So far the biggest issue is a good holding tool, not to mention the whole bunch of unsuitable enamels I bought, they were cheap, ok kiln fired but devitrify in the flame! I'm sticking with thompson now as they do a 9000 range which is compatible both with my coe104 glass and copper, can torch or kiln fire too. Very interested in that scalex product so you have given me loads to think about, thank you so much

Hi! Mason stains have a matte finish. It is an artistic decision if you would like to add clear enamel on top for a shiny finish. You will need clear in between layers of Mason stain because they do not contain glass. In other words, Mason stains don't stick to other Mason stains.

@@10Gables Thank you Chris! Sometimes I like a matte look. Your videos are so helpful and clear. I appreciate your generosity in sharing!

Hi Barbara! It sounds like you are having a great time 💕 Thank you so much for sharing all of your experiences here. Your idea to play with the shapes and hole placement before crackle is genius! I have a set of diamond burs from Thompson Enamel that work well to grind them out if they get coated over with enamel. But I was recently introduced to diamond core drills via work I've been doing lately with lapidary carving. Instead of a bur trying to push through all the glass, these have a hollow center to cut a circle into and through. They are much faster. Be sure to use them by submerging your piece in water to keep the drill and your piece from overheating. I use a size that is slightly smaller than the hole I drilled to give it room to fit. cuttingedgesupply.store/collections/core-drills/products/super-small-diamond-core-drills

@@10Gables Thank you so much for the tip!

Glad it was helpful!

Yes. These are considered a 'final fire' technique to add embellishments to your work. The gold and silver Gelly roll pens contain mica and the white contains titanium. I like to fire them around 1350 in my kiln for about a minute and a half. You will need to experiment with your kiln/torch to find what works for you. If you fire these too long, too hot, or too many times, the minerals will dissipate into the enamel. Fire too short or too cool? They will come off.

My suggestion here would be to experiment away and let us know how it goes!!! There is such a thing as painting enamels which are very finely ground enamels and pigments mixed together. Who knows - maybe you'll find a really nice way to achieve similar results using this method. Hope you have fun with all of this!!!

I have 2 brands Glassline and Color line. I used them on my fusing glass andcI wonder if they will work. I will let you know how my experiment turns out !

HI! Thank you for your kind words. The combo for the Gillie oil yields a very nice consistency that has a decent working time, yet dries without waiting forever. I've only had experience with this and lavender and do prefer it :) I've heard of people using other oils as well, so my suggestion would be to try what you have on hand and see how it goes, then experiment with others to find what works best for you.

@@10Gables Oh, I LOVE this! I had tried using a quill pen in the past with underglaze black and had no luck. Now, I can finally get a very fine line and so easily! I'm over the moon. Thank you so much!

@@10Gables I've mixed up some Gillie oil to play with and can't believe how easily it works with a Crow Quill pen. I've yet to try it with the lavender oil or others. I am so excited to finally have an easy way to make a thin, black line. I did try painting some mountains within the black lines and the colors for the mountains all but disappeared while the black remained. My kiln did not get hotter than 1400 and my kiln has a window where I keep watch for the shine as the enamel melts. Any advice on how to proceed so that the color stays? I hope I can figure this out because I just ordered all of the remaining colors I didn't get in the first order! Also, I tried adding clear enamel over the mason stain painting, but it kind of repelled and pulled in a funny way. I'm assuming that I need to make sure that I'm using the 2030. I just checked and it was a soft fusing transparent--2008--wrong stuff. Will that really not work, or should I try to add more on top? I tried painting some black mason stain onto a stamp, but that was not at all successful; maybe it was too thick; I'll try the make-up sponge next time. It too easily smudged. I just watched the video for a third time(!) and I thought I remembered something about lighter colors requiring less time, but I didn't see that this time through. Is there a reason you use the Jelly Roll pen vs. the white mason stain? I can't tell you how appreciative I am that you made this video; I've looked for others since seeing it, and have not found any that go into any kind of actual information or "how to." Thank you for being so thorough.

Thank you 😊 Hope you have fun play8ng with them!

You are welcome amd I hope you have fun!

Thank you! I'm always curious about techniques and will look into it.

Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the rest of the videos sans music 😁 It really is terrible and a mistake so many starting on their video production journey seem to make. Something I've learned when delivering constructive criticism is to sandwich it with thoughtful truth that points out two good things. Maybe this can help you, too, when helping others? I'll be sure to check your videos out. Always love to learn!

Yeah, I know. Made these when very new at videos and, considering all the time it takes and that I am paid nothing? It stays. Thanks for taking the time to drop your incredibly rude comment. Hope you at least learned something about enameling that might help you. Blessings.

Hello! I was working in a basement for this video and we do not have an external vent. This extractor uses filters. I bought mine on Amazon. It is a Xytronic 426DLX

@@10Gables Thank you. I actually just ordered that one yesterday.

You are welcome :) It's easy for things to get out of hand quickly!!! hahah

Welcome to the world of enameling! You can use all sorts of tools to apply enamels oncludong small brushes. Try Googlimg 'wet pack enamel painting' for many videos, books, and classes to learn more. Hope this helps and that you have fun learning more. 😊

So glad you enjoy the idea and hope you have fun trying it out 😁