Beryl Ball

 

Maureen began by reminding us that we must start by cleaning our copper very thoroughly. She degreases hers with Ajax and water, brushing with a toothbrush until a film of water will remain on the copper surface with no dry patches.

 

Bases

Liquid enamels are used. With only two bases, white and flux, there are endless variations i.e. in firing and thickness of enamel.

1. Liquid White: Sheet Steel White, supplied by WG Ball Ltd., stays on well and fires well. This can be left white or colour can be applied over the white. Also, areas can be left bare to expose the copper. If the white is applied too thickly it will be difficult to draw in and will pull away in the firing, but this can be used as an effect. If applied too thinly, it will fire to a greenish colour. When thin and fired high it goes a golden transparent.
2. Liquid Flux (Wet Process Flux): This is applied in the same way as the white, but if it is too thick it will appear milky when fired. This will clear if fired high but a thin application will produce an immediate clear effect.

 

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