A Column for Absolute Beginners – Solutions to some Problems
Bonnie Mackintosh
Well... At least I know that ONE of you 'beginners' is reading and trying out the techniques offered in this column.
Harold Killingback showed me some of his 'problem pieces' at the AGM/Conference weekend, and I shall pass on his problems/queries (and my probable causes/ solutions) to you.
Problem: Enamel pulling away from the edge of the piece.
Probable cause: Copper not properly degreased; enamel sifted too thickly (as was the case in Harold s example).
Solution: Stone down and re-sift. Always make sure copper is properly degreased before sifting. Sift no thicker than the depth of the copper blank used; 2-3 thin layers of enamel (alternated with 2-3 thin layers of counter enamel) are preferable to 1 thick coat!