# Enameling: techniques and process

> Enameling fuses powdered glass onto metal; techniques (cloisonné, champlevé, basse-taille, plique-à-jour, painted) and steps to enamel a piece.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/enameling-techniques/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-08
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/esmaltado-tecnicas/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Vitreous enameling fuses a colored glass powder onto a metal base at around 750-850 °C. Depending on how the base is prepared, techniques with their own names arise.

![Steps of the technique: Prepare the metal, Grind the enamel, Apply, Dry, Fire, Repeat and polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/esmaltado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Basic steps

1. A clean metal base (copper, silver or gold) is prepared.
2. The enamel is ground and washed, and applied wet or dry.
3. It is dried and fired in a kiln until the glass melts and smooths out.
4. It is repeated in layers, cooled and the excess is polished off.

## Techniques

- **[Cloisonné](https://www.711grados.com/en/cloisonne-enamel/):** cells made with soldered wire.
- **Champlevé:** hollows carved or cast in the metal and filled.
- **Basse-taille:** translucent enamel over an engraved relief.
- **[Plique-à-jour](https://www.711grados.com/en/plique-a-jour-enamel/):** enamel without a backing, like stained glass.
- **Painted enamel (Limoges):** painting with enamel on a ground.

## Counter-enamel

The back is also enameled to balance the tension and avoid cracks.

## Materials

See [enamel](https://www.711grados.com/en/enamel/) as a material. Kiln, sieves, meshes and brushes are the basic tools.

## Step by step

1. **Prepare the metal.** Clean and anneal.
2. **Grind the enamel.** Wash the powder until the water runs clear.
3. **Apply.** Spread a thin, even layer.
4. **Dry.** Let it dry completely.
5. **Fire.** Put the piece in the kiln at about 800 °C.
6. **Repeat and polish.** Apply more layers and polish with a stone.

## Tools and materials

- Powdered or lump enamel
- Enameling kiln
- Brushes and spatulas
- Counter-enamel

## Common mistakes

- A thick layer: it chips when fired.
- Wet enamel in the kiln: it bursts.
- No counter-enamel: the sheet warps.
- Uncleaned metal: the enamel does not adhere.

## See also

- [Enamel](https://www.711grados.com/en/enamel/)
- [Cloisonné: enamel in cells](https://www.711grados.com/en/cloisonne-enamel/)
- [Plique-à-jour: enamel without a backing](https://www.711grados.com/en/plique-a-jour-enamel/)
- [Copper](https://www.711grados.com/en/copper/)