Greener Grass: Leaded v. Unleaded Vitrious Enamels

[Adriane Dalton]

The latest newsletter from Schlaifer's Enameling Supply announcing the arrival of discontinued Thompson Leaded enamels has re-piqued what was already a burgeoning curiosity. I've never worked with leaded enamels and wonder about their advantages (and perhaps disadvantages). There is admittedly an appeal in something that requires a little more care and caution (though, lead free vitrious enamels require plenty of this as well). Next paycheck i think i will put a little money into this curiosity and do some experimenting.

In addition to the leaded enamels I intend to play around with some underglaze pencils and potentially also to switch from Thinning Oil No. 5 to Lavender oil for my paints. I have been feeling dissatisfied with the viscosity of the Thinning Oil lately and based on what i've read the Lavender Oil may be better suited for my purposes (fine lines and minute details).

In my (admittedly not terribly thorough) internet reasearch it seems online enamelist resources are fairly limited. Neither www.glass-on-metal.com nor www.enamelistsociety.org have a functioning messageboard or forum. The North East Enamelist Guild website has an error message. Where are all the young, internet saavy enamelists who want to talk process?

[Adriane Dalton]

Thanks for the information! I appreciate it!

[Regina Rose Malone]

If you find you love leaded enamel as much as I do you might also try the Japanese enamels by "Ninomiya" or the French enamels by "Soyer".

[Regina Rose Malone]

http://grainsofglass.ning.com/ This is a good place for you to check out. Many great enamelists. Also, have fun with the leaded enamels the transparent colors are my favorite. The colors are much more intense.