Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cold Enameling Q&As, Problems & Solutions
Q. I am looking for a cold enamel paint that makes a ceramic like finish. I will be using this in craft ideas, garden stakes, bird feeders, jewelry etc.
Sue Ferguson- Arlington, Tennessee
2001
A. I have been using Cold enamels for Jewelry making. They are easy, you have colour pastes which you add to a clear resin then add a hardener. They set overnight and the finish is tough and very shiny. Xaya San is the best brand I have used so far but I don't think you can get it in America. If you contact Jewelry Craft Supplies in the UK then they can tell you if they will ship or not.
Jonathan Lloyd- Lancashire UK
December 24, 2009
Q. I am having some problems with epoxy enameling on pieces of jewellery, which are cut and polished and subsequently electroplated. The enamel is popping out during/ after plating. Would you be able to suggest any other product that can adhere to the metal and it would not fall out from the piece.
STANLEY [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]U.K.
2006
A. Try real glass enamel. Maybe you can roughen surface of epoxy enamel areas (by bright dip), pretreatment is maybe bad. Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
A. Jewelry is not my field but, why not plate before enameling.
Guillermo Marrufo- Monterrey Mexico
A. Hi Stan. The previous replies should be helpful, but I have seen modest powder coatings survive a very extensive cyanide copper, acid copper, nickel, and chrome plating process so I am surprised that your enamel is not working. Which brings on two thoughts in addition to Goran's and Guillermo's --
• Polyester is more resistant to plating acids and alkalies than epoxy, so you might investigate whether polyester enamels which meet your needs are available.
• Are you sure the metal was spotlessly, thoroughly, waterbreak-free, clean before the enamel?
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Cold enameling for silver
Q. I am a hobbyist making small silver jewelry (rings, etc.) and I read on the web about cold enamels that don't require oven. Any ideas on materials I can use?
Olga KaragianniArt Teacher - Athens, Greece
2007
A. Ceramit is very good brand (USA product), try to find EU seller of that product. You can use so called cold glazes too and you can find it in any better hobbyist shop. Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
Lightweight alternative to copper enameling?
Q. I am an artist looking for a durable, lightweight alternative to copper enameling. I would like to coat copper or brass sheet pieces in bright colors that would be scratch resistant and maintain their brightness over time.
self- employed artist - Key West, Florida
April 27, 2010
A. Try cold enamels. Ceramit is very good brand (Krohn Technical Products, Carlstadt, New Jersey). Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
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