Enamelling on Silver

When enamelling on silver it is usual to wet lay colours as this helps to ensure maximum clarity.
When wet-laying, the enamels need to be ground in a pestle and mortar to prepare. This ensures the grains are of uniform size. Grind finely and rinse thoroughly in purified water. Take care not to wash them down the sink! Keep enamel covered until ready to use. Freshen up with purified water if left overnight. Avoid keeping flux as this tends to be more unstable.
Test enamels on a scrap of the metal you are using or on silver foil on a copper base. This is so you can check enamels have similar firing requirements and haven’t deteriorated in storage.
Lay finely and evenly, tapping and blotting regularly. Keep curved surfaces damp or enamel will fall off.
Blend and mix colours. Keep layers thin.
Consider using foils to add texture and interest. Cover with Blythes medium flux or coloured enamel. Generally you need two fine layers on top.
Keep records of the colours you use and the firings.
To finish, use fine diagrit to stone the surface of the enamel. Use plenty of water. Stone the silver edges first and then move towards the middle. Take care with curved surfaces especially. Keep blotting with water to check progress. It may be necessary to add more enamel to areas where the surface is lower.
When all of the surface is evenly abraded, continue using wet and dry paper to finish. Begin with 400 grit, then 600 grit and finish with 1200. Vary the direction with each paper. Scrub thoroughly with a glass brush and water.
Fill bubbles and depressions with more enamel and re-fire. Repeat as necessary.
For a shiny surface, use a felt mop and pumice with lots of water. This will remove fire stain from the metal and polish the enamel smooth. Polish metal with Tripoli and white rouge. This leaves fewer marks.
For a matt surface, use 600, 800 and 1200 grit wet and dry. Wax the surface after final polish.