Enameling
A Kiln-Side Bench Reference for Cloisonné and Champlevé Firing Schedules, Temperatures, and Troubleshooting
★★★★★3.6 · 8 reviewsby Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
Master cloisonné and champlevé firing with exact schedules, temperatures, and troubleshooting—your kiln-side companion for flawless enamels.
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About this book
If you've moved beyond the basics of enameling, you know that the difference between a stunning piece and a ruined one often comes down to a few degrees or seconds in the kiln. This book is the firing guide you've been missing—a bench-ready reference that gives you precise schedules for cloisonné and champlevé, from the first counter-enamel to the final flux coat. No more guessing, no more 'as needed' advice. Every table and procedure is built for quick consultation while your kiln is hot.
Inside, you'll find detailed firing schedules for every major enamel color and base metal combination, with ramp rates, hold times, and cooling instructions. Step-by-step techniques for wire placement, packing, and firing each layer are paired with visual troubleshooting charts for common defects like pitting, devitrification, and over-firing. The book also includes a complete project walkthrough—a cloisonné pendant and a champlevé plaque—so you can see the principles applied in real time.
Whether you're working with copper, fine silver, or gold, this guide ensures you'll spend less time scraping off failed pieces and more time creating enamelwork that lasts. Keep it open on your workbench, and let it turn your firing from a gamble into a science.
Reader Reviews
Kenneth Brown
★★★★★I've been enameling for a few years and have a good collection of books, but this one is specifically about firing schedules, which is what I struggle with. The tables are helpful, but I found some of the temperature ranges a bit narrow for my kiln. I had to adjust a few things, but it's a solid reference overall.
Jeffrey Flores
★★★★★It's a decent book, but I wish it had more on troubleshooting. The symptom/cause/fix table is good, but I had a problem with pitting that wasn't covered in as much detail as I needed. Still, the firing schedules for cloisonné are better than what I've found online.
Joseph Young
★★★★★This book sits on my workbench, open to the firing schedule tables. It has completely changed my results with cloisonné. The exact temperatures and hold times took the guesswork out of firing, and I've stopped ruining pieces. The troubleshooting chapter alone is worth the price. I've already recommended it to my enamel guild.
Ronald Johnson
★★★★★I bought this because I was tired of searching forums for firing advice. The schedules for champlevé are particularly good—I used the project walkthrough for my first plaque and it came out perfectly. The quick reference tables are a lifesaver when I'm in the middle of a firing session.
Ronald Carter
★★★★★The book is well-organized and has a lot of good information, but I felt some sections were a bit too basic for me. I was hoping for more advanced tips on firing with gold foil, but the core schedules are solid. It's a good addition to my library, even if it's not my go-to.
Kathleen Jones
★★★★★I appreciate the emphasis on calibration and repeatability. The calibration log template is a nice touch. However, I found the troubleshooting section a bit sparse for some issues I've encountered, like cracking around wire. It's a good book, but not comprehensive enough for every problem.
Angela Young
★★★★★As someone who makes jewelry for sale, the firing schedules have saved me time and money. I no longer waste materials on failed firings. The project examples are clear and the success criteria are helpful. I just wish there were more projects, but the reference tables are excellent.
Amy Nelson
★★★★★This is the book I keep coming back to. The firing schedules are precise and I love that it's organized for quick lookup. The FAQ section answered questions I didn't even know I had. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that I'd like more on firing with different kiln types, but overall it's a great resource.