How to Do Enameling on Aluminum

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum item

  • Heat-resistant masking tape

  • Glass glue

  • Spray bottle

  • Enameling powders

  • Enameler's spoon

  • Tweezers

  • Kiln

  • Heat-resistant tongs

The density of the powder application affects the richness of the resulting color.

Enameling is the process whereby a fine layer of powdered glass is fused to a metal surface to provide a durable and often decorative covering. While the process dates back to the ancient Greeks, it has most recently been adopted and improved by the automotive industry, which has developed it into a commercial powder-coating application to produce a high-quality finish for car bodies and parts. Providing you have access to a kiln, you can learn how to enamel aluminum at home. The technique takes practice and experience to perfect, and you should initially practice on inexpensive aluminum objects.

Advertisement

Step 1

Preheat your kiln. It must reach a temperature of 1,600 degrees F.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Clean the aluminum object you want to enamel. In order for the enamel to adhere well, the object must be dry and free of all dirt, grease and other particles.

Step 3

Pour a 50-percent glass glue and 50-percent water solution into a spray bottle, and agitate it well before spraying.

Step 4

Mask off any areas of the aluminum object that you do not want to enamel with heat-resistant masking tape.

Advertisement

Step 5

Spray the area that you want to enamel with a fine mist of the water and glass glue solution. This will keep the enamel powders in place.

Step 6

Apply the colored enamel powders to the object using your enameler's spoon and tweezers.

Advertisement

Step 7

Place the object into the pre-heated kiln.

Step 8

Check the piece after five minutes and wait for the powders to bake into enamel. This will take approximately 10 minutes. Do not leave the kiln unattended; you do not want to over-bake the piece.

Advertisement

Step 9

Remove the object from the kiln, using heat-resistant tongs, and allow it to cool completely.

Step 10

Check the piece for coverage and color density. If you are not satisfied with either, place more powder on the object and return it to the kiln. You can repeat the process until you achieve a satisfactory result.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources