ENAMELING.
Enamel may be applied to metal objects and add a great deal to their value and attractiveness if used sparingly. The enamels most used are transparent and opaque; the transparent reflects the color of the metal adding a great deal of life to the work, the opaque gives color on the surface only.
The process, as described in this chapter, touches but the elementary stages of the art that are within the possibilities of high school work and possibly the upper grammar grades.
Enamel may be applied by any of the following methods:
First: By covering the entire surface of the object with enamel.
Second: By using a flat wire which is bent into sections the shape of the design and soldered to the object; the wire forms partitions to receive the enamel.
Third: By cutting away the design by the use of engraving tools, making channels about 1/32 of an inch deep to receive the enamel.
Fourth: By using a chasing tool either from the front or from the back of the work, forming raised or sunken partitions to receive the enamel.
The first and second methods are difficult ones, requiring a great deal of experience in handling metal and enamel to obtain satisfactory results.
The third and fourth methods are comparatively simple and are within the possibilities of those for whom this book is intended.