Enameling involves fusing powdered glass to a surface by heating to what range in Celsius?

• A. Involves heating metal to harden it
• B. Between 750 C and 850 C, the glass powder melts and turns into a smooth, shiny coating.
• C. Involves applying a glaze without heat
• D. Involves coating metal with enamel by painting

Answer: (B)

Enameling works by fusing powdered glass to a surface through heat so the glass powder melts and bonds, creating a smooth, shiny coating. The firing range is about 750–850 °C, which makes the glass viscous enough to flow and form a continuous glaze without damaging the substrate. If the temperature is too low, the powder won’t melt well and the coating will be patchy or dull. If it’s too high, the glaze can over-melt, run, blister, or cause other damage. This is different from simply heating metal to harden it, applying a glaze without heat, or painting enamel on, which do not involve melting the glass powder to fuse it.