A Brief Introduction to Enamel ARTZ

      Enamel ARTZ is a brand new product that replicates the look of true glass enamel with one fabulous benefit.. It is so EASY to do.  It can be melted with our good ol’ heating tool for embossing, a Melting Pot makes enameling extremely easy, if you have a spare toaster oven or electric skillet handy, those will work also. 

      When Enamel ARTZ's Transparent Gemstone Enamel is melted over a metal surface it has a glimmer that is much like true enamel.  Add texture to that metal surface and you will get amazingly beautiful results. 

      Almost anything can be enameled... it just needs to be able to withstand temps up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.  This leaves the doors wide open to creativity.

        Different types of enamel look best over different surfaces. 

      Transparent GEMSTONE enamel looks best (in my opinion) over silver or white.  Silver reflects light back through the enamel.. looking a bit like a piece of stained glass.  Transparent GEMSTONE  enamel looks a lot like stained glass when put on glass.  Also, you can enamel transparent GEMSTONE  enamel over white surfaces and light colored surfaces.  Just like anything else transparent.. the color and texture in the background will show through and blend with the colors of your enamel. 

Transparent Gemstone will also blend together like watercolors for great possibilities.  Just place colors next to each other and brush water between them.  Transparent GEMSTONE can also be used to shade from light to dark.  Place a bit less of the color on each layer.. use Crystal Clear Top Coat to fill in your enamel build up.

Try it on Aluminum Foil, Metal, Foil Flaked Mache or Wood Items, Glass... etc..

      Our SHIMMER Enamel is opaque, has a shimmering effect that floats to the top or can be swirled into the enamel. Because it is opaque, it can be applied over any color with the enamel color staying as it is.

There are two basic techniques for enameling,

The Dry Application (Sprinkling) and The Wet Application (Wet Packing).

1.   Dry Application - Sprinkling

      Super EASY Enamel:  Use a Melting Pan!  Lay the piece you want enameled on a Non-Stick Crafter's Sheet in your melting pan.  Sprinkle Enamel ARTZ Powders where desired, let melt.  (Replacing the lid will speed up melting.)

    Easy Enameling with a Heat Tool!

    Great for 3-Dimensional Pieces.

The First Layer of Enamel - Sprinkle powder over a dual stick adhesive.  We offer a glue called ARTZ Adhesive.  You may also use an 'All Purpose Spray Adhesive'.  Spray, brush or sponge on and let dry.  When dry it will be tacky and ready for you to sprinkle your first layer of enamel over. 

      Sprinkle enamel over project and tap excess off.  You can scoop this up and place it back in the container if you wish.

      Heat this layer of enamel until it is melted. 

      Additional Layers - While your previous layers are hot (if your project has cooled off.. either reheat it or apply another layer of adhesive).. sprinkle on another layer of color.. and another until you've reached the color you desire.

      You are finished when you have the colors you wish.

      --tip - you don't have to stay with one color.. sprinkle a little here and a little there.. to get a variegated background.

For Examples, Visit our Gallery.

2.   Wet Application - Wet Packing

      Perfect for Precise Placing of Color!

      Place a small scoop of each color you wish to use in a paint palette, add a drop or two of water.  Mix so you have a slightly wetter than paste consistency.  Apply small amounts of enamel into areas you want colored in.  When finished filling in spaces use a small piece or rolled up piece of paper towel to wick out extra water.

      You will need as little water as possible in your enamel for melting.  Don't worry if it is still a bit damp.. this dampness will dry up with the heating tool.  Heat to melt.

      Additional Layers - Repeat the above process until you reach the colors you desire.

      --tip - when you have reached a color you desire but, have a way to go before reaching the top of the outline.. you may seal in your color with COLOR LOCK and continue to fill in over it with clear TOP COAT.

      --tip - Lock your light colors in to prevent darker colors from blending with them.  Melt a layer of COLOR LOCK over the color you want to protect.  Avoid placing any colored enamel over the color.. as the Color Lock will seal the underneath color, but, won't stop colors from being melted over it.  Use clear TOP COAT  to fill in over.