Enamellist Notes on iPhone: Firing Temperature Records, Color Trials & Metal Substrate Notes

Vitreous enamelling is the process of fusing powdered glass to metal at high temperature. The chemistry is complex: different enamel formulas have different expansion coefficients, different firing temperatures, and different behavior over specific metals. A transparent enamel that produces clear, luminous color on fine silver may crack or muddy on copper. An opaque that fires beautifully at 820°C may mottle at 840°C. Nemos gives enamellists a place to capture these firing variables and their outcomes.

What to Capture in Nemos

Enamel Formula and Color Records For each enamel color worked with: - Manufacturer and product name/number - Type: transparent, opaque, opalescent, flux - Firing temperature range (tested range and optimal) - Substrate tested on: fine silver, copper, fine gold, keum-boo foil - Color achieved at each firing temperature - Compatibility with adjacent colors (any bleeding, separation)

Color records build a personal reference library that lets you choose colors and predict behavior before committing to a piece.

Firing Records For each kiln session: - Kiln type and temperature (pyrometer reading) - Firing time at temperature - Substrate metal and gauge - Enamel layers applied in sequence - Result at each firing: color, surface quality, adhesion - Any defects: peeling, bubbling, cracking, pulling away from metal

Firing records document the sequence of decisions that produced a result — reproducible with notes, unrepeatable without them.

Metal Substrate Preparation Notes Metal preparation is critical to adhesion: - Cleaning method used (acid pickle, torch anneal, abrasive) - Foil application method (for cloisonné wires or keum-boo) - Counter-enamel approach and thickness - Any adhesion problems observed and cause assessment

Substrate notes explain adhesion failures and let you avoid repeating them.

Technique Development Records For new techniques explored: - Technique description (champlevé, cloisonné, basse-taille, plique-à-jour, limoges) - Materials and sequence used - Challenges encountered - Outcomes and what to refine

Technique notes capture the learning curve on each new approach — especially valuable for complex techniques like plique-à-jour that require many attempts to master.

Commission and Project Notes For each commission: - Client brief and design requirements - Materials selected and rationale - Firing sequence planned vs. actual - Client approval notes

FAQ

Can Nemos work offline in a studio? Yes. Full offline functionality.

How do I organize notes across many color tests? Title notes by manufacturer, color name, and substrate. Tags by technique type keep the library navigable.

Can I attach photos of fired test pieces alongside notes? Yes. Attach photos at each firing stage. The visual record of color development is often more informative than text.

Is Nemos useful for sourcing rare enamels? Yes — capture supplier names, product numbers, and availability notes alongside your firing records so sourcing information and technical results are in the same place.

Why not just keep a visual test tile board? Test tile boards show results. Nemos captures the conditions that produced them. Both are needed.

Related Reading

• /blog/goldsmith-notes-iphone — metal craft technique documentation and commission records
• /blog/ceramicist-notes-iphone — kiln firing and glaze chemistry documentation
• /blog/lapidary-notes-iphone — material assessment and processing documentation
• /blog/stained-glass-artist-notes-iphone — glass material and color documentation

Sources

• Enamel chemistry references: The Enamelist Society technical resources and Thompson Enamel technical documentation
• Enamel-metal expansion compatibility: Oppi Untracht, Jewelry: Concepts and Technology (Doubleday, 1982)

Download Nemos free on the App Store.