The low
temperature enamels cure at temperatures between 530C and 580C
depending on the type and manufacturer. At this temperature the
glass is unlikely to change its shape. The jewellers and ceramics
enamels fire at higher temperatures and are not suitable.
Rub the dry
powder into the sandblasted area with a cloth or your fingers. The
advantage of using the powder dry is that it will not stick to the
smooth areas, although you may need to brush it out of any
depressions in fused glass.
Fire the glass to
the minimum temperature for the enamel, but for S96 or Bullseye try
to stay below 540C. This temperature will fix the paint to the
glass, but not change the shape of the sandblasting. Float glass will
not change if you go to 580C. If you go to higher temperatures, you
will go toward a satin effect and finally a smooth surface.
This technique
has the advantage of being able to introduce a subtle colour tone to
the sandblasted area. This enables you to match older glass that may
have a slight colour cast from the glass or materials it has become
encrusted with, such as nicotine.
This method
requires testing to get the right levels of colour, and the
temperature to balance the fixing of the enamel without changing the
sandblasted surface beyond your choice. So you need to prepare
several samples noting the amounts of enamel and temperatures used.
This has been
successful for me when replacing broken sandblasted door panels that
need to match the side lights. It removes the excessive whiteness of
the new panel and can blend to match the colour of the originals.
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