emalar

Emalar is a term used in some languages to refer to enamel and enamelware. Enamel is a glassy coating fused to a substrate, typically metal or ceramic, by firing at high temperature. The resulting surface is hard, smooth, and often colorfully decorated, serving both protective and decorative purposes.

Enamels are made from a silicate glass system with colorants added in the form of metal oxides. When heated, the glaze fuses to the base material, creating a continuous, durable coating. Color is produced by oxides such as cobalt for blue, copper for greens, and various other metals for yellows, reds, and others. Enameling can be categorized by techniques and firing temperatures, including hard enamels fired at high temperatures for a dense, glassy surface and soft enamels fired at lower temperatures for a slightly raised or tactile feel.

Common enameling techniques include cloisonné, where metal wires create compartments filled with enamel, and champlevé, where the base surface is carved or etched to hold the enamel. Plique-à-jour is a translucent enamel applied in gaps without a backing, producing a stained-glass effect. Enamel on metal is widely used in jewelry, watches, and decorative objects, while enamel on ceramics and glass has long served dinnerware and art objects.

Historically, enameling developed in multiple regions, with notable traditions in the Near East, Europe, and China. In modern manufacturing, enamel coatings are applied to cookware, appliances, automotive parts, and architectural surfaces for durability, chemical resistance, and design versatility. Care of enameled surfaces typically involves gentle cleaning and protection from sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking or crazing.