FIRING NOTES ON LUSTRES AND ENAMELS

Enamels: The usual temperature for firing the enamels is cone 017 to cone 016 (770
deg.C.- 790 deg C ) The reds pinks and yellow, however do have a tendency to fade out and become colourless. It is obviously advisable to fire these at the lower temperature around cone 017.

Lustres:  These are usually fired at cone 018 to cone 016 (720 deg.C.  – 790 deg.C.) especially when applied over earthenware glazes. However there can be a problem when using the lustres over high fired stoneware glaze when there is a tendency for the lustre to rub off. In this case one will have to fire a bit higher to soften the glaze, but not so high that it starts to sinter (  the first stage in melting ) which results in a harsh, roughened surface. The highest we have had to go is cone 013 (860 deg C.)

In this case it was gold FE3 and blue lustre on a satin matt stoneware glaze. This is unfortunately a matter of trial and error.

A word of warning. Larger plates and dishes are susceptible to thermal shock so that a gentle start to enamel / lustre firing may be needed.