Lead Free Enamels

Enamelling has become popular, both as a hobby, and as a craft suitable for schools. It has been practiced for over 2,000 years, and now improvements in enamels have brought it within the reach of all.

In schools the craft suits the entire range of ability, and gives scope for either traditional or contemporary design. The equipment and materials are simple. The firing of enamel takes only a few minutes, and gives a depth and brilliance of colour which is unequalled by any other medium.

All enamels for use on metal originally contained lead. As they came into use on a commercial scale, on cast iron and sheet steel, the lead was gradually eliminated, but enamels for use on copper have continued to be made to traditional formulae, with modifications, but still containing lead. It has generally been supposed that these enamels present no risk to the user on a small scale, taking reasonable precautions.

However it seems advisable to avoid the use of lead wherever possible. We have been selling leadfree enamels for many years and strongly recommend their use. In accordance with the requirements of Administrative Memorandum No. 2/65. issued by the Department of Education and Science, we inform you that whilst these enamels and colours are lead free they contain some ingredients, which in some circumstances may be considered toxic.

As these materials are thoroughly combined in the enamels any risk is considerably reduced, if not eliminated. However, we recommend that reasonable care is taken, particularly:

• Do not introduce enamels or colours to the mouth.
• Do not smoke or eat while using them.
  
• Handle them carefully, in small quantities, and store in closed containers.
• Wash the hands thoroughly after using colours.
• Opaque red, yellow and orange enamels contain cadmium and should be handled with extra care.