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Classes  >>  Enameling & Metal Coloration



A variety of options exist to add color to metal, from chemical patinas to unique painterly techniques using pigments. Another is enameling, a process of fusing pigmented glass powder to a metal substrate at very high temperature, resulting in an extremely durable finish. Enameling was historically used for signage and provides opportunity for a wide range of techniques, from resists to screenprinting, to add color to metal.



Click on the course name to see all class meeting dates, times, and course fee.

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Porcelain Enameling for Muralists & Painters

    • Thu, July 31, 2025
    • Thu, September 04, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    Have you always wanted your painted murals to last forever? Porcelain enameling is an ancient decorative technique that is highly durable and UV-resistant, making it ideal for permanence in the outdoors. The process involves fusing powdered glass mixed with pigmented minerals to a metal substrate at high heat. In this class, you'll apply the painting, drawing, aerosol, air brush, sgraffito, and stenciling skills you already have to this durable medium. Signage, mural elements, or 3-dimensional large-scale work are all possible.

    We'll start with the basics of mixing enamels. Next, you'll experiment with a variety of design techniques by creating small technical reference pieces that show the various application techniques you explore. Once you've practiced translating your favorite graphics techniques into enamel, you'll apply them to your large scale work. You'll paint, sgraffito, sponge, spray and otherwise manipulate the enamels to produce exciting effects on an approximately 2-foot square of enameling steel. We'll also explore firing multiple layers which opens up another array of design possibilities.

    $360 ($235 tuition + $125 materials)  |  6 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jordan Hamilton

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  • Photos & Fire: Intro To Torch-Fired Enameling With Photo Decals

    • Sat, September 20, 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Join us for a fun introduction to vitreous enameling that is perfect for makers of all experience levels, from total first-timers to more experienced artists.

    After an overview of tools, materials and safety, you'll be guided through the process of torch-firing enamels and photo decals onto a copper substrate to create unique wearable or decorative keepsakes. You'll be introduced to the use of dry-sifted vitreous enamel, paintable enamel, and black and white photo decals. We will explore the design possibilities of combining and layering different photo elements with both opaque and transparent enamels to create pendants, earrings, keychains, or component pieces that can be incorporated into other larger works.

    If you have a personal photo you'd like to incorporate into an enameled piece, please email it to the instructor after you register. Otherwise, you'll be able to choose from provided image decals.

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Erin Proctor


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  • Porcelain Enameling on Steel: Shaping and Illustration Techniques

    • Mon, October 06, 2025
    • Mon, October 27, 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8
    Register

    Learn the time-honored techniques of creating artwork with porcelain enamel. The process involves fusing powdered glass mixed with pigments to a metal substrate at high heat. In this class we'll work with thin gauge steel as our base, onto which we'll add heat-fired illustrative imagery using porcelain glass enamels to create jewelry-scale works of art. We'll start by readying our metal, through which you'll practice cutting, shaping, and basic welding skills. Then, you'll learn to prepare and apply the base coat enamel, followed by techniques to apply pigmented enamels to your pieces. You can expect to make several pieces in this immersive class, including illustrative small paintings and jewelry.

    This course is appropriate for both beginners and those with some experience with porcelain enamel and jewelry fabrication.

    $310 ($260 tuition + $50 materials)  |  4 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jess Night

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  • Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Spooky Mugs!

    • Sun, October 26, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Enamel your own steel camping mug with a spooky flair! You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.

    This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)  
    Open to ages 9 and up.

    Instructor: Jess Night

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  • Porcelain Enameling Project Shop: Krampus Mugs!

    • Sun, December 07, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Enamel your own steel camping mug with a holiday folktale villain theme -- think Krampus, Frau Perchta, Yule Lads and more! You'll start by choosing a mug in your favorite color and then learn to paint on your own decoration and imagery using porcelain enameling techniques. Next, your mug will be fired to create a durable finish on your design. Afterwards, you'll be able try it out as we share cocoa or hot cider (your finished mug will be all non-toxic materials)! Participants of all ages are welcome, but children under 9 should plan to register with an adult.

    This class is appropriate for beginners or those with some enamel experience.

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)  
    Open to ages 9 and up.

    Instructor: Jess Night

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  • Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler

    • Sun, December 07, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    Manifest your creative vision by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces colored with a rich palette of enamels. In this sampler style class, we'll explore basic copper enamel techniques using pre-fabricated copper shapes. You will walk away from this course with a new excitement for working with glass, color and metal.

    In this workshop you will learn:

    • kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
    • at least three dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
    • basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Crystal Celeste 


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  • Copper Enamel Project Shop: Lightswitch Cover

    • Thu, December 11, 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 7
    Register

    Learn the basics of copper enamel metal application while creating a unique, functional art in this introductory workshop. Sign up on your own or with a friend to enjoy an experimental session of kiln-fired copper enameling on a solid copper lightswitch or outlet covers. You'll start by practicing enamel application on scrap copper, including stencil and fade techniques, before moving on to your final pieces. Leave with 1-2 single lightswitch or outlet covers and the curiosity to continue exploring the copper enamel process! No experience required. 

    $100 ($70 tuition + $30 materials) 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Crystal Celeste 


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  • Graphics Enameling Basics (TBD)

    • Wed, December 31, 2025
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is not currently scheduled. Click on 'Join Waitlist' to be notified when we schedule it again. When it's opened for registration, everyone on the list is notified at the same time.

    Learn the basics of an ancient decorative technique of fusing vitreous enamel, a material made of powdered glass mixed with minerals for coloration, to a steel substrate. You'll be introduced to the skills necessary for successful enameling, appropriate for projects such as signage, installations, mural elements or similar larger-scale work. This class does not cover jewelry enameling.

    We'll start with the basics of mixing enamels and preparing the substrate, and then explore a variety of enamel surface design techniques. Using viscous medium and mason stains for coloration, you'll paint, sgraffito, sponge, and otherwise manipulate the enamels to produce exciting effects that result in a durable, temperature resistant surface unaffected by UV light. Using the various techniques demonstrated, you'll work on and fire pieces suitable for technical reference as well as a finished piece (approximately one square foot).  |  $270 ($200 tuition + $70 materials)  |  6 weeks

    Instructor: Heather Doyle is CAFAC's artistic director, and she has taught sculptural welding and blacksmithing for more than 10 years. Her enameling background began with the John Biggers Seed Project, a major public art installation coming soon to North Minneapolis, comprised of enameled steel panels on a bridge railing over Highway 94. Heather oversaw the buildout of CAFAC's enameling studio and has trained with master enamelists Dave Berfield and Barbara Minor.

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CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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