Definition of Vitreous enamel

In a discussion of art technology, enamel (or vitreous enamel or porcelain enamel in U.S. English) is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. It often is applied as a paste, and may be transparent or opaque when fired; vitreous enamel can be applied to most metals. Also, "an enamel" is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlevé or a cloisonné.