The technique of enamelled lava
– lava enamelling – is a technique that consists of covering a lava stone with a vitreous layer; the pigments are fixed to the lava stone by firing at a temperature of around 960 °C: as a result, lava is the only type of stone that can withstand enamelling.
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Enamelled lava process: machining
Whether the enamelled lava piece is simple or complex, the essential working phases are:
1 – The machining process:
- extraction and selection of blocks in quarries
- transport to machining workshops
- wire cutting of the blocks into calibrated slabs
- stone finishing (polished / honed, etc.)
Enamelled lava process: enamelling
After careful washing and a drying phase:
- 1st step = Slip coating / kiln loading / firing at 960° for 8 hours / variable cooling / kiln unloading
- 2nd step = Enamelling / kiln loading / firing at 960° for 8 hours / variable cooling / kiln unloading
Second enamelling for various finishes and/or touch-ups if needed…
The working phases mentioned above are not exhaustive and are only briefly described. Each working phase requires very precise technical skill, and the whole process demands advanced know-how for the perfect production of the requested piece.
Enamelled lava projects are generally custom-made creations. Enamelled lava appeals because of its essential technical characteristics, but also because of the many possibilities it offers.
Possibilities: machining
These working phases also vary depending on the complexity of the piece — a simple piece such as a tabletop does not require the same work as a solid vanity top, both in terms of time and skills…
On the machining side, it is possible to create (non-exhaustive list):
- various thicknesses and lengths
- a variety of shapes — simple and complex
- all types of drilling — tap holes, socket holes, sink cut-outs…
- specific features — milling, grooved or recessed drainers, rebates, curved pieces, etc.
Enamelling: infinite finishes…
On the enamelling side, there are many possible finishes (non-exhaustive list):
- glossy – matte – transparent – metallic appearance
- custom-made colour created from colour charts or other references
- solid – gradient – effect colour
- smooth – unfilled – veil finish
The Tradition Pierre workshop
In France,
enamelled lava
comes mainly from Auvergne. The profession of lava enameller is now included in the list of trades eligible for art craftsmanship, thanks to the specific know-how and the high level of technical expertise required for lava enamelling.
Enamelled lava: our expertise
