Using Fuse Master Enamels   

The following information will apply to all three
different lines of enamels sold by Fusion Headquarters.

LO - Fuse Master Low-Fire Lead Free Opaque Enamels - 1175⁰ - 1500⁰
FM - Fuse Master Transparent Enamels - 1075⁰ - 1250⁰
LF - Fuse Master Lead Free Opaque Enamels - 1300⁰ - 1500⁰

Enamels are different than glass frits or powders in that they have a very heavy color density. In most cases a fairly thin layer of enamel will provide a very dense area of color. Although in some instances, if the application is too thin, the enamels can disappear after firing.

Our enamels are sold as finely ground powers that can be mixed with most any type of binder to accommodate a wide range of applications. We recommend the following binders:    

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Fuse Master Enamels can be used on a wide range of base glasses including float/window, Uroboros, Bullseye, Blenko, Spectrum, Wissmach, Armstrong, Chicago Art Glass Youghiogheny, Wasser,  Kokomo and Moretti. They do not work with Pyrex.

The enamels are a finely ground glass powder so it is important not to inhale them. Wear an approved respirator when working with this product. Keep your work area free of enamel dust. Keep the enamels away from children.

APPLICATIONS

Fuse Master enamels are designed to be used during a fuse or slump firing. They can be placed on the surface of the glass being fired or most (not reds) can be laminated between two or more layers of glass. Each method of application and the location of the enamels will produce a different visual effect. 

Dry Sifting: Place a stencil onto the glass to be decorated and sift the enamels through a screen. For greater durability before firing, first cover the base glass with a light coating of a 50/50 mix of water and Fuse Master Water Friendly Medium, then place the stencil onto the glass and sift the enamels. This is a good technique to use for repetitive designs, gradations of color and transitions from one color to another.

Air Brushing: Mix the enamels equal parts powder to Fuse Master Airbrush Medium. You can go up to two parts air brush medium if that works better with your set up. You can also use water and another binder, like Water Friendly Medium. Mix these about 5 or 6 water to one medium. In either case, try to keep the enamels to liquid ratio close to equal.

Place your glass at about a 60 degree angle so it is not straight up and down. Start with a smooth even stroke across the glass, then I let it dry. You can get more than one pass in before drying, but you do not want to be so heavy that it runs. If it runs you have to wipe it all off and start over again. Use a warm room and a blow dryer to speed up drying time. Repeat, light coat - dry - light coat - dry until you have a coating that is slightly heavier than you think you need. The enamels will lose about 10% of their density when fired. Keep the solution stirred to avoid clogging the air brush.

Painting: Fuse Master enamels can be applied using a variety of painting methods such as tracing, stippling, flood coating and as a color wash. The powder can be mixed into a liquid by adding any of the binders listed above. The exact ratio of powder, binding and thinner will vary so it is best to run some tests before embarking on a project.

Screen Printing: Mixing the enamels with Fuse Master Silkscreen Medium will produce an excellent pigment for direct silk screening onto glass. Mix roughly equal parts by weight – enamels and medium. The mixture should be as thick as pancake batter. Use a decal medium if you are producing fire-on decals.

Bead Making: LF enamels are an excellent addition to a bead maker's palette. Place a small pile of the enamels on a flame proof surface. Heat the base glass of your choice on a mandrel and roll the hot glass through the powder. Be careful on the next reheat not to burn out the color. The enamels may be added as a last step or they may be cased with a layer of clear.

Glass Blowing: LF enamels add a strong rich color to blown piece. They can be sifted onto hot glass or they can be picked up by rolling though the powder. It is best to case the enamels before the glass is worked again.

Because of their low maturing temperature, enamels that are in contact with a mold or kiln shelf will stick to kiln wash or fiber paper. 

When working with these or any other product for the first time, test firings are always recommended as a way to study subtle variations of performance. Keep good firing records so that successes can be duplicated. Enjoy.