Enamel Coating of Steel

Preparation of the Foundation for the Coating

The sheet iron or steel articles resulting from the drawing or stamping processes described above, have a black, scaly surface and must be cleaned and prepared to receive the enamel coating. They are accordingly passed through an acid bath, which removes all foreign matter from their surfaces.

If the foundations should be examined at this point under a very strong magnifying glass, they would appear as though small bits of steel were projecting all over their surfaces. These catch and hold the enamel. When more than one coat of enamel is applied, as is the case with white ware, the enamel has a smooth, glassy surface to cling to instead of the rougher steel. Therefore it does not adhere so strongly and is much more liable to chip off than is the single-coated ware.