The
term “enamel” is etymologically related to the term “smalt”, derived from the
Germanic "smalt", i.e. "melt". Glass enamel is an enamel
based on fine glass powder, fixing by melting. It is used everywhere as a
resistant finishing coating for ceramic and metal utensils, ceramic tiles,
metal and faience plumbing, plating baths and chemical equipment, surfaces of
kitchen stoves, washing machine, and water heater tanks, medical and food
processing equipment.
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Art enamel. 16th century. France. |
Artistic enamel painting on
ceramics or more refractory glass is technologically quite simple and
widespread even in amateur conditions (a method of firing enamel products in a household microwave oven is known). To obtain different colors, either colored
glasses are ground, or pigments are added to the finished powder or slip. It is
necessary to distinguish the traditional hot enamel from modern polymer paints
and decals - materials that cheapen the technology, do not require high
temperatures for fixing but also do not have durability and characteristic
pictorial features of glass.