Hot enamel for restoration of signs. Restoration and imitation of colored enamels
Repairing products with enamel is quite a difficult task and requires special equipment and time.
Most often, when repairing chips and other damage to the enamel, all the enamel has to be removed and recoated.
There are different types of enamel and therefore the cost of repair depends on many nuances.
Contact the craftsmen from our jewelry network who provide this service and send photos of your products to them by email. Then you can find out the exact cost of repairing the enamel in your product
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Learn more about repairing products with enamel
Enameling has long been used in the creation of jewelry. One of the first mentions of enamel in manufacturing occurs in the 12th century BC. We are talking about gold rings that were found in a Cypriot tomb. Finds that were found later date back to the Byzantine era. In the 15th century, enamellers significantly changed the practice of using glass in painting.
The next milestone in the improvement of this technique was the Faberge eggs, combining enamel with jewelry. It’s a rare person who hasn’t heard anything about Faberge eggs, because they are one of the most famous works. jewelry art that combine sophistication, sophistication and individuality. Eastern craftsmen took cloisonne enamel (the process of adding thin partitions to separate colors) to a new level of quality. Artists also used it when creating large frescoes, sculptures, and in addition, it is typical for jewelry: bowls, vases.
Today, jewelry enamel is in great demand. Its popularity is largely due to the beautiful and interesting things that are obtained when using it in the manufacturing process, since with its help you can achieve truly unusual shades that compare favorably with trivial ones, while maintaining quality, unlike costume jewelry.
Unfortunately, cases of enamel abrasion are not uncommon, but repairing products with enamel is a fairly well-established process. Enameling is a difficult job that requires a high level of professionalism, knowledge of your craft and the ability to get along with enamel. How does enameling work? To begin with, the enamel is brought to a powdery state by grinding. After which it is mixed with pure silver or gold. This mixture is placed on an enameled, flat surface and sent to the oven.
When the enamel thickens, with a thin brush of sable or professional tool it is determined by cells and fired in a kiln at very high high temperature(1475 degrees) up to three minutes. If you mix different shades enamel and bake in the oven several times, you can achieve an interesting depth of color. All these manipulations are repeated more than once until the enamel reaches the level of the partitions. Now the procedure can be considered successfully completed and the product can be sent for polishing.
As you can see, working with enamel is very complex and requires serious skills and experience. Therefore, to repair products with enamel, you should contact a trusted technician who is well versed in the intricacies of his business. A responsible, serious approach is important to ensure that the work is completed perfectly. With the help of the art of enameling, products acquired gloss, charm and chic.
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As you know, enamel is a glassy alloy of silica, alumina and various oxides. Based on their composition, enamels are divided into transparent and opacified; they have a large color and tone gradation. Since ancient times, a rich palette of alloys has been widely used by various civilizations and peoples in decorating metal products and continues to be successfully used to this day.
Since enamel is a glass alloy, it means that it has many of the qualities and properties of glass, and most importantly, it is subject to the same processes of destruction and aging as glass. Over time, under the influence of unfavorable conditions, the enamel may crack and peel; iridescence and corrosion of the surface may begin; peeling of enamel from a metal surface leads to chipping, loss and loss. Based on this, the approach to the restoration of various enamels should correspond to the methods of restoration of glass and porcelain.
Typically, enamel is applied to a metal surface. Even if it completely covers the metal, it is impossible not to take this circumstance into account during restoration.
When a metal product decorated with enamel is received for restoration, the metal itself first undergoes restoration. Many enamels are quite chemically resistant and can withstand the effects of chemical reagents used in metal restoration. Although, naturally, in this case this effect should be chosen to be the most gentle.
If it is necessary to remove deformation in the metal, and the enamel has cracks and a tendency to peel off, then it must be carefully strengthened by repeated impregnation with polymers (PBMA, BMK-5, PVB) in order to protect the enamel as much as possible from possible peeling. After eliminating the deformation, the excess concentration of the polymer is removed by its solvent. But this does not mean at all that any deformation is removed when the enamel is strengthened. As soon as there is a danger of cracking and falling out, the process of straightening out the deformation stops.
After restoring the metal, the restorer begins restoring the enamel coating and selects techniques according to the condition of the enamel. Cleaning of surface contaminants on enamel will practically be carried out even when cleaning the metal, if corrosion products have been removed. If at the first stage there was no chemical treatment of the surface, then the contaminants are removed with ethyl alcohol - cleaning, degreasing and dehydrating the surface, preparing it for further work.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to lighten enamel cracks that are contaminated and have absorbed metal corrosion products. Oxygen- and chlorine-containing chemical reagents used in porcelain restoration techniques (namely, in lightening contaminated through cracks or glaze lines) are not suitable for use in the restoration of enamels. The enamel is in close proximity to metal, which (especially copper and copper alloys) reacts with these reagents, and contamination of cracks is not eliminated, but, on the contrary, increases. Therefore, after the metal corrosion processes have stabilized, cleaning of cracks is no longer carried out and then it is necessary to move on to strengthening processes.
Any destructive process in enamel requires stabilization and conservation. The formation of cracks subsequently leads to delamination and fallout, loss of not only qualities appearance, but also fragments of the exhibit itself. Therefore, the enamel should be carefully treated with strengthening compounds.
The strengthening composition developed at VNIIR (Moscow) has proven itself very well - 25% polymethylphenylsiloxane in toluene. It is distinguished by deep penetration, high transparency and colorlessness, high light resistance, and the thinness of the resulting film, which can be built up if necessary and thanks to which it is possible to imitate the shine of enamel. The refractive index of light of polymethylphenylsiloxane is almost the same as glass.
Polymers - PVB, PBMA, BMK-5 - are also used to impregnate and strengthen cracks in enamels. They choose 3-5% impregnating compositions and diluents - xylene, toluene. If you need to impregnate white enamel, you should remember that PVB and PBMA polymers have low light resistance and turn slightly yellow over time.
The impregnation process is usually carried out several times, adding a layer or increasing the concentration of the solution.
Restoring lesions and loss of enamel would also be in the best possible way restoration of the exhibition appearance and integrity of the monument. But, as is known, the enameling process requires heat treatment ranging from +600 to +900°C. If there is a damaged, cracking layer of old enamel, applying new enamel is almost impossible. It is unlikely that a professional restorer will take it upon himself to subject the exhibit to such heat treatment. Although modern industry (especially Western) allows us to have a large palette of enamels, it is still very difficult to correctly select the composition of dyes and oxides to accurately reproduce old enamels.
In this case, it is proposed not to restore, but to imitate enamels, and for this it is necessary to choose a material that will not only imitate it well, but also be chemically neutral to the metal that serves as the basis for the enamel. In this case, the basic principle of restoration is also preserved—the introduction of easily dismantled materials into the exhibit.
Opaque enamels can be quite effectively imitated with mastic based on EO cyacrine with fillers made from colored dry pigments. Cyacrine EO is chemically neutral with respect to metals and enamels, has excellent adhesive ability, and practically does not change the color of the introduced pigments. The mastic mass based on cyacrine and colored pigments (shavings of colored pastels) is non-shrinking and, after quick drying, can be easily processed with a scalpel and sandpaper. When composing the color of the mastic, you just need to remember that the more alkali-containing substance is in the pigment, the faster hardening occurs when mixing with cyacrine, so sometimes galmanin (medicinal powder) must be added to the composition, which contains a small percentage of acid, which helps slow down the hardening process.
The shine of enamels is perfectly imitated by varnish coatings, which can be used: organosilicon varnishes - MSN-7, KO of various brands, Polysil; polymer varnishes - PVB varnish, PARALOID, etc. By varying the concentration of varnish solutions, you can achieve imitation in the range from matte to glossy surfaces. The varnish coating serves not only to imitate shine, but also as a conservation and protective layer.
By choosing varnish as a binder, you can quite effectively imitate transparent enamels. In this case, Polisil is an excellent base. If you take a 25% or more solution of it in xylene with the addition of coloring pigments, you get a composition that, when dried, quite accurately meets the requirements put forward. As a rule, such a composition must be applied several times to achieve the desired layer thickness.
An equally effective material for simulating enamels with a shiny surface is a two-component acrylic lacquer German company MAX MAYER. This varnish is designed for coating automotive surfaces, therefore it is chemically neutral to metal and resistant to light, moisture and heat. When colored pigments are introduced into it, the varnish perfectly imitates many types of enamels.
Mastics and varnish compositions imitating enamel not only restore the lost display appearance of museum exhibits, but also act as a protective layer that prevents further destruction of the metal base.
Representatives of the fair sex try to emphasize their individuality, stand out and attract the attention of others with stylish hairstyles, expensive shoes, manicures and original jewelry. Many people choose expensive earrings and rings made of gold and silver with precious metals. Others prefer products with hot or cold enamel. considered unique. Performing the hot enamel technique is considered a refined skill. Talented craftsmen make jewelry with it irresistible.
Variety with enamel
With enamel they are distinguished by special sophistication and beauty. Today, classic, avant-garde, ultra-modern rings and earrings made of silver and gold, decorated with enamel, are at the peak of popularity. Thanks to this original technique, craftsmen place real works of art worthy of admiration on bracelets and pendants.
Jewelers include creative ideas and experience, combine new metal processing technologies and produce colorful jewelry. The color range of these products can be varied. Enamel not only complements crafts, but also protects them from corrosion and mechanical damage. Over time, these decorations do not lose their shine and brightness; they are not afraid of moisture, temperature changes and light.
The most important advantage of jewelry with enamel is that it is original and emphasizes the individuality of its owner.
What is enameling
The production of costume jewelry covered with a unique glaze has been launched en masse. However, such jewelry is handmade. In the original version, each product is different from the other, so they are never repeated.
Professionals call the use of glass, which melts easily, on a metal surface as enameling. The composition and application of glaze may vary. There are several techniques for fixing the substance.
History of origin
Enamel was used for products by the ancient Russians. They called it enamel. It was used not only to decorate jewelry, but also to decorate decorative and applied arts: bowls, goblets, caskets, and caskets.
The oldest items with original glaze were found in Cyprus during excavations. Also, traces of this creativity were found in Egypt, India, and Byzantium. Since the Byzantine Empire had close ties with Kievan Rus, this technology came to our region.
In the 10th-11th centuries in the Middle East, hot enamel was used to apply ornaments to utensils. The masters of the Byzantine Empire also applied it to dishes.
The heyday of enameling occurred in the XII-XVI centuries. Then the Chinese emperors ordered to combine metal with casting. This is how enamel began to be applied to copper. For this purpose, a special composition was created blue color. Later, technology in blue tones became the property of Chinese applied art. Chinese enameling technique is popular all over the world. Patterns in heavenly colors cover not only jewelry, but also boxes, saucers, cups, vases, and glasses.
Later, the application of hot enamel began to be used not only for kitchen items, but also to frame icons, mirrors, and frames. In the 19th-20th centuries, the Art Nouveau style became popular, when jewelry and decorative items were decorated with artistic glaze. Chemistry has advanced greatly and thanks to this, experts have developed a whole palette of shades for enamel.
Cloisonne jewelry hot enamel
The most elegant technique of hot enamel is cloisonné. First, a design is applied to a copper, silver or gold plate using thin wires. They act as a kind of partitions, between which colored glaze is poured.
In ancient times, this decoration technique was used instead of precious stones. In India, there are Minankari jewelry, in which enamel variegation is combined with precious stones. Hindus also add metal ornaments or embossing.
Chinese cloisonné enamel is exemplary. What kind of images you won’t see on this patterned casting! There are also magical animals, flowers, petals, bunches of grapes, ornate patterns. Many enjoyed the enamel floor vases from China!
Stained glass enamel is a partitioning technique. The principles of these two glazes are very similar. The gaps in the wire-lined ornament are filled with wet enamel. Then the product is dried and fired. To obtain a multi-color design, each shade of glaze is fired separately in a muffle furnace. As a result, the fused enamel resembles glass.
The only difference between stained glass and cloisonné techniques is that the former has a transparent structure when held up to the light. Cloisonné enamel has a metal base, so it is not translucent.
Champlevé enamel
Champlevé enamel, or champlevé, is considered the oldest and easiest to produce. It consists of creating recesses in the metal. The glaze itself is easy to apply. With its help, color engravings are made, as well as grandiose images with alternating metal and enamel.
The most common starting metal is copper, as it is soft and easy to carve into. Their depth can be different, the color saturation depends on this. For the production of costume jewelry, they use already stamped blanks with recesses into which enamel of different shades is only poured.
Transparent or see-through enamel
This glaze is used in jewelry with precious metals. It can be gold, platinum, silver. Such metal, coated with transparent enamel, will shine through and shine very strongly. The colors of the product will be very rich. The metal under the transparent glaze does not tarnish and is protected from mechanical damage.
Blind enamel
This glaze is also called opaque. It is applied to copper and tombac. Solid or opal enamels are distinguished by their enormous color scheme, due to which the metal alternates with the color of the glaze.
There is also something in between translucent and deaf enameling. At different angles of light, it changes from transparent to opal, reminiscent of a play of light with tints.
Hot enamel technology
Hot enamel jewelry has been used for a long time, although the process of making it is considered labor-intensive. This type of enameling is a leader in the manufacture of costume jewelry and other products. This glaze adheres firmly to things because it is baked in specialized ovens (muffle ovens) and kept at a temperature of 600-800 °C. The product is then cooled, cleaned and polished.
At first glance, the process seems simple, but patience will not hurt for such a task. In its initial form, enamel has the appearance of a powder. It includes specially selected charge materials: quartz sand, chalk, feldspar, clay. This composition also contains soda, borax, potash and auxiliary substances. The presence of dyes, oxidizing agents, and opacifiers is required to obtain the opal state.
First, enamel powder is diluted with water in a special container until it becomes thick like sour cream. Then the required areas of the decorations are filled with this mass. Before firing, the product is dried to release air bubbles. Under the influence of temperature, the enamel fuses and becomes like glass (transparent or dull). Then the craft is polished and re-firing. The end result is a perfectly smooth surface.
For multi-color and cloisonne glazes, firing is done strictly alternately. White enamel takes the longest to burn, followed by pink and blue. Then the cells are filled with green and black glaze. Red glaze is considered less heat-resistant; it can withstand the least.
The enamel mass is poured very evenly to create a flawless surface. Depending on the complexity, jewelry with hot enamel can be fired from 5 to 100 times. It is necessary to monitor the firing time and temperature very precisely. This is how unique masterpieces are obtained, existing only in a single copy.
Types of cold enameling
Cold enamel is peculiar fiberglass, it is easy to apply. There are three types of cold enameling:
Tricks for choosing quality products
Enameling is a painstaking process, so jewelry using this technique is not cheap. They are considered premium products. When buying jewelry with enamel, you should pay attention to the presence of cracks, chips, scratches, and bubbles. Gold is most suitable for it, because when heated it does not deform. Earrings with hot silver enamel look great. Copper items also harmonize well with glassy glaze. Storing and wearing jewelry with enamel requires the following rules:
Differences between hot and cold enamel
Hot enamel is more durable and its price is higher than cold enamel. There is another technique in cold enameling - enamel. After applying it, it spreads out in multi-colored patterns, like gasoline on water. The result is a kind of colored stains.
Hot pouring is smoother because it is stronger. Cold enamel exhibits unevenness because it is not polished. The still hot glaze shines brightly.
Cold mixtures also have advantages. They are distinguished by their simplicity, unpretentiousness, and plasticity. To make such jewelry, no special tools are required. Cold enameling is suitable for all alloys.
Enamel on gold and silver
Stunning collections of gold and silver jewelry with enamel make the hearts of the most sophisticated connoisseurs of beauty tremble. Among the huge selection of earrings, rings, bracelets, the harmony of rich colors and faceted gems pleases the eye. Classics in the form of black and white are also in trend today.
Silver ones with enamel look simply masterpiece. Coated rings are available in massive and sophisticated styles. They sometimes encrusted stones. Original sets with enamel will become a decoration for girls of any age and status. Smooth, even engagement rings with a Greek pattern on them look great.
Who produces hot enamel jewelry
Feminine colored jewelry is represented by several Czech ones. The most famous of them is Style Avenue. Czech experts are experimenting with cloisonne cold enameling.
Italian products with glaze are popular. Here are the most famous companies: Damiani, Bulgari, Garavelli. Italian crafts surprise with their shapes in the form of flowers, buds and butterflies.
The products were called minankari. The shades in them transition very smoothly. This is suitable for pendants and rings.
Particularly popular in Russia silver jewelry company "Sunlight". The surface of this enamel is very smooth, and the ornaments are made in smooth lines.
