Firing Gold Bearing Enamels

For years, I have struggled to fire Thompson Enamel purples. I even gave up on using them, until today. I was doing an internet search on the proper firing temperature for Orchid and Iris, thinking that the temp was my problem, but it turns out that these two purples are gold bearing and need to be fired over a layer of flux - 2030 over copper or 2020 over silver. The gold bearing opaque enamels are 1705, 1708, 1710, 1715, 1720, 1745, 1750, 1760, and 1780. I fired 1750 and 1760 over a layer of 2030 to maturity, making sure that all the copper oxides had cleared the enamel. It took two coats of the opaques to get a good solid color, but it was totally worth it. You can see on the results in the image below.

I found the solution to my problem on Thompson’s website, several paragraphs down under the heading: What are Cadmium and Selenium Colors? - Check it out here.

I am going to try this fix for the yellows that I have had trouble with as well, like butter yellow. Dark gray dots appear with multiple firings.

This same link has some great info about fluxes and whites, which I have found extremely helpful in the past. I guess I never read further down to catch the info about firing purples, reds, oranges and yellows. I hope this info helps you in your enameling practice. It’s great to know that the info you need to solve your enameling problems is only an internet search away. However, if you have problems that can’t be resolved by reading this, Thompson is always willing to talk you through your firing issues. Just make sure you have all the details documented before you call, like firing temp, duration, what colors you are using, what metal you are using, and the layer order of your enamel colors.

Enameled earrings in shades of purple and robin’s egg blue