What Does Vitreous Enamel Look Like? (Here’s our stunning showcase!)
Despite its long history and various touchpoints on all our lives, many are still unsure what vitreous enamel (aka porcelain enamel) looks like. With the largest vitreous enamel factory in the UK, we are well placed to answer this question! In this blog, we will explain and show you what a typical vitreous enamel surface looks like, how it is made and the huge versatility of finishes achievable with this wonder material.
Vitreous enamel looks like a smooth, glassy, and durable surface. It can be decorated in a range of ways from mixing in vibrant colours to applying text-based graphics. Textures can be achieved with special application techniques. One constant is the glossy, glassy quality to the surface finish.
The vitreous enamel process starts with small pieces of glass called frit. It is then mechanically mixed with a carefully selected amount of coloured oxide (pigment) compounds and water until it reaches a liquid state. This liquid enamel can then be applied to coat a substrate such as steel or cast iron. To create a smooth finish, it is applied by an enamel spray gun. The coated substrate is then fired at temperatures in excess of 800°C resulting in an incredibly hardwearing surface.
Read on to find out about some truly spectacular vitreous enamel finishes that A.J Wells have developed over 50 years of manufacturing!
Vitreous enamel alternative techniques and finishes
The Scraffito Technique
A.J Wells and Laura Boswell worked together in developing a hand painted ‘Scraffito’ technique involving sponging the inks onto the panel, drying and scratching into the surface before finally fusing the enamel to the panel by firing. This allows the artist greater freedom and is a form of mark making that allows direct connection with the material.
The Nori Finish
This is a favourite finish created in conjunction with our sister company Vlaze. The surface is created using brown and green spray enamels applied in differing thicknesses. Used across their product range, Nori has an organic feel that takes influence from, as its name suggests, the famous edible Japanese seaweed.
The Indigo Stipple Finish
Indigo Stipple is simply stunning and is reminiscent of a gently moving ocean in twilight. It’s created by applying a heavy coat of liquid enamel resulting in a sophisticated finish that looks amazing in the home. Used for Vlaze ADAPT units as well as heatshields it is a statement finish that serves to create sculptural pieces out of functional objects.
The Splatter Finish
(See featured image)
An artistic, decorative finish that Jackson Pollock would be proud of. Skilfully created by our craftsmen by flicking a contrasting enamel organically over a base coat. It produces a contemporary look that seemingly suits any environment.
The Quilted Finish
Conveying strength and sophistication, our quilted finish provides a sense of luxury while protecting the home. An A.J Wells patented application; it is one of our most frequently requested finishes for Vlaze heat shields to protect combustible walls and typically used in conjunction with Charnwood wood-burning stoves.
Application methods for artwork and graphics to vitreous enamel
Screen-Printing
Screen Printing offers the best results when trying to reproduce artwork with solid colours and text and when there is a requirement to match a specific Pantone or RAL reference. Capable of vibrant block colour as shown by the Happy Street project at Thessaly Road Railway Bridge, Nine Elms, Wandsworth by A.J Wells for Yinka Ilori.
Screen-printing benefits:
• High durability with colouration that never fades
• Solid colours look bold with strong saturation achievable
• We can match specific Pantone/RAL colours
• Our process allows excellent consistency including on repeat orders
• Can be used in combination with enamel-decals to offer a more versatile finish
As official sign makers for the London Underground we were asked to create a mural in vitreous enamel. The artwork was printed using a CMYK 4 colour screen printing process. Due to the size of the piece the printing process was extremely challenging. It is one of the largest hand-printed enamel artworks ever produced. It looks photographic, and really is quite a feat and shows the very limits of what is possible with this technique. It is testament to the incredible skill of our A.J Wells team that benefits from 50 years of experience. Learn more…
Vitreous Enamel Decals
If you are looking to reproduce detailed photographs or other graphical images, then enamel decals are usually the best option and suited to a wide range of signage options.
The decals are produced using the enamel equivalent of the four-colour printing process – using your artwork submitted as a high-resolution PDF. Learn more…
Vitreous enamel sample coasters
Images can’t quite do justice to the beauty of the various vitreous enamel surfaces discussed. It is only when seeing and touching them in person that you can truly appreciate their splendour. Happily, Vlaze have recently started giving the opportunity to order 90x90mm square coaster samples in any Vlaze surface colour and finish. It’s the perfect way to sample the luxurious vitreous glazes which are used across all Vlaze products. They are all hand crafted on the Isle of Wight with the same process being used across our diverse portfolio of projects.
You can order a sample in the form of a coaster here.
These are just some of the amazing finishes that have been achieved with vitreous enamel and there are so many more to check out.
Take a look at our extensive portfolio for inspiration!