Enamel has been used in glass and blacksmithing for thousands of years. Molten glass is applied at very high temperatures (around 900° C) as a coating to a carrier metal, usually sheet steel, and forms a corrosion-resistant protective layer on it. Enamelling is the composite material that consists of an enamel (enamel) and the carrier (material). Only iron, quartz, clay, feldspar, borax, soda and potash are needed in the production of enamel and enamel goods are 100% recyclable.
The outstanding properties of enamel are:
- creates a cut, scratch, acid and alkali resistant surface
- easy to clean, antibacterial and anti-allergic
- odorless and tasteless
- High abrasion resistance even with intensive use
- optimal heat distribution and heat storage when frying and heating
- Climate, UV and weather resistant
- non-flammable and non-conductive to electricity
Despite all these advantages, however, splinters (usually on the outside due to improper handling) cannot always be avoided.
Since production is complex, enamel goods cannot compete in price with comparable products made of pure plastic or metal. However, the protective properties of the coating make enamel superior to pure metal and far superior to plastics and chemical coatings when it comes to the environment and sustainability.
In our shop the I'm onfire mug is made of enamel.
