What the Flux?

In jewelry, "flux" is a weird term because it can mean many things based on context.

When soldering, "flux" is a paste or liquid that keeps the metal clean during the soldering process. Soldering requires that you heat metal to extreme temperatures; however, the heat causes the metal to oxidize. This type of "flux" is a chemical compound (containing fluorides, potassium, and hydroxide) that creates a barrier between the metal and the air, stopping the oxidation and helping the solder flow. And since solder will not flow over dirty metal, flux is essential for getting a nice, tight solder seam.

The next two types of "flux" apply when you are talking about enameling with powdered glass. The first type is simply clear enamel, meaning that in this case, "flux" is just clear glass. The second type of enameling flux is similar to soldering flux in that it is a chemical compound. In enameling, this compound is mainly xanthum gum; you cut it with water and use it as a binding agent between the powered glass and the metal. In this context, you use "flux" to keep the powered glass where it belongs so that it will stay in place to be kiln fused and torch fired.

Consider yourself educated! Now when you're at a fancy dinner party or hip, trendy spot and someone says, "What the flux?" you can whip out your knowledge and impress them all.