FAQ Frequently asked questions (This is an ongoing thing)
When looking at the colors I see some of them have a (A), (B), or (C) after them, what does this mean?
This refers to the pricing on the colors. Enamel prices reflect the cost of raw materials used to make specific colors. At the bottom of the list of colors is a price chart the enamels that do not have A, B, or C following the number and name are Standard Price. All others are priced according to the letter following the number and name i.e. A, B, or C.
If I am just starting out what do I need?
Shopping list, select the word that you would like more information on.
If my kid sister asked me to get her started I would give her the following list.
Either buy a Vcella from me or find a used one. Model 9 or 12 will probably cover most of what you want to do. The Vcellas come with a pyrometer from the manufacturer. It's included in the price. An alternate is a Sierra kiln. This one is made for the PMC (Precious Metal Clay) artist. It comes with a pyrometer and a controller. The controller will hold the temperature where you want it. It's one drawback is that the coils are enclosed in a Muffle. This means if the coils break you need to send the kiln back to get new coils. This kiln is priced economically and if you are planning to do PMC, and fused glass as well as enameling, a controller is a must have.
If you are on a very limited budget, go with a propane or mapp gas torch.
Stop at the hardware store and get a pair of needle nose pliers, they make it easier to move a piece around while it is still hot.
Save a magazine for the glossy pages, they are great to enamel over and the excess enamel can be recovered with ease.
Have her friend save baby food jars to store her enamels in, or collect the film canisters ( this is dependent on the quantities of enamel she will use. A jeweler would have plenty in a film canister, a large bowl maker may want to use jelly jars.)
If she has the money I would say get the BEK-1 set of enamels, and some silver foil.
Once she had gotten her feet wet and was ready to try other things we could talk about what was need for other techniques.
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