A finished enamel pendant featuring a custom green leaf design.

Step 1: Preparing the Copper

The initial step involves preparing the copper blanks for enameling. This process creates a layer of copper oxide on the surface, which enhances the adhesion of the enamel.

1. Warm up the Kiln: Begin by preheating your electric ceramic pottery kiln to the recommended temperature for copper enameling (typically around 1450-1500°F or 788-816°C).
2. Create Oxides: Place your copper pendant blanks on a wire mesh shelf inside the warming kiln. The heat will cause oxides to form on the surface of the copper. Alternatively, you can use a torch to heat the copper blanks until the oxides appear. The oxidation process is essential for proper enamel bonding.
3. Alternative Method: If you don’t have a kiln immediately available, a handheld torch can be used to achieve oxidation. Carefully heat the copper blank with the torch, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Understanding Copper Oxidation

This step describes how the copper looks once the oxides have formed.

After oxidation, the surface of the copper will exhibit a darkened, almost blackened appearance. This is the visual indication of the copper oxide layer that has formed. The color can range from a reddish-brown to a deep black, depending on the temperature and duration of the oxidation process.

Step 3: Pickling the Copper

Pickling removes the oxides and cleans the copper surface, preparing it for the enamel application.

1. Prepare Pickle Solution: In a crock-pot or slow cooker, warm a pickle solution. Pickle is typically a mild acid solution (sulfuric acid or sodium bisulfate) that dissolves metal oxides. You can purchase pickle solution at any jewelry supply store.
2. Quench and Pickle: Using tongs, quickly remove the oxidized copper blanks from the kiln or torch flame and immediately immerse them in the warm pickle solution. The rapid temperature change and the acidity of the pickle will cause the oxides to loosen and dissolve.
3. Separate Pickle Pots: Maintain separate pickle pots for copper and silver. Copper oxides can contaminate and degrade the pickle solution more quickly, so having separate solutions ensures optimal cleaning for both metals.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: After pickling, thoroughly rinse the copper blanks with clean water to remove any remaining pickle solution. Ensure that no acid residue remains, as it can interfere with the enamel bonding.

Step 4: Applying the Enamel Base Coat

The base coat provides a foundation for the image and subsequent enamel layers.

1. Prepare the Enamel: Choose your desired enamel powder color for the base coat. Finely sift the enamel powder to remove any clumps or impurities.
2. Apply the Enamel: There are several methods for applying the enamel powder, including dry sifting, wet packing, and spraying. Choose the method that you find most comfortable and effective. Ensure that the copper blank is evenly coated with a thin layer of enamel powder.
3. Fire the Base Coat: Carefully place the enameled copper blank back into the kiln and fire until the enamel melts and fuses to the copper surface. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on the kiln temperature and the type of enamel being used.
4. Cool Slowly: Allow the enameled piece to cool slowly to prevent cracking or warping.

Step 5: Transferring the Custom Image

This is where you bring your custom design to life on the pendant.

1. Prepare the Image: Ensure your custom image is printed on suitable transfer paper using a laser printer. The quality of the print will directly impact the final result.
2. Position the Image: Carefully position the printed image onto the enameled base coat. You may use a small amount of spray adhesive to hold the image in place, but be careful not to use too much, as it can affect the firing process.
3. Firing the Image: Place the pendant back into the kiln and fire at a lower temperature than the base coat firing. Monitor the image transfer closely. The toner from the laser print will fuse with the enamel, transferring the image onto the surface. The exact temperature and firing time will vary depending on the transfer paper and enamel used, so experimentation may be necessary.

Step 6: Adding Additional Enamel Layers (Optional)

Enhance your design with additional layers for depth and complexity.

1. Apply Additional Colors: Once the image is transferred, you can add more layers of enamel to enhance the design. Use fine brushes or sifting techniques to apply different colors and create gradients or highlights.
2. Fire Each Layer: Fire each additional layer of enamel separately, adjusting the firing temperature and time as needed. Be careful not to over-fire, as this can blur the image or cause the enamel to run.
3. Consider Contrasting Colors: Experiment with different enamel colors to create visual interest and make your image stand out.

Step 7: Final Firing and Finishing

The final firing ensures a smooth, durable finish, followed by cleaning and polishing.

1. Final Firing: After applying all the desired enamel layers, give the pendant a final firing to ensure that all the enamel is fully fused and smooth.
2. Cool Slowly: Allow the pendant to cool slowly to prevent cracking.
3. Clean and Polish: Once cooled, clean the pendant with soap and water to remove any residue. Use jewelry polishing cloths or a polishing wheel to buff the surface and bring out the shine of the enamel.
4. Finishing Touches: Attach a bail or jump ring to the pendant, and add a chain or cord to complete your custom enamel necklace.