About Us

 

The Vitreous Enamel Association (VEA) is a UK based Trade Association representing the interests of users of Vitreous Enamel products and companies using the Vitreous Enamelling process.

The VEA provides a resource for the general public about the use, maintenance and cleaning of vitreous enamel and to this runs the Approved Cleaners Scheme for cleaning products for Vitreous Enamel. The VEA independently tests and approves cleaning products submitted by manufacturers. Approved Cleaning Products are entitled to display the VEA Approved Cleaner Logo. See Approved Cleaning Products list.  See Enamel Care for valuable Hints & Tips.

Vitreous Enamel is very much part of modern everyday living. It is used in a wide range of products, some of which are well known, some not quite so obvious.

The Vitreous Enamel Association (VEA) was formed in 1956 as the Vitreous Enamel Development Council, changing to its present title in 1995. It is the trade association for the vitreous enamelling industry in the UK and operates the unique Cleaner Scheme where cleaning products for use on vitreous enamel are tested and approved. VEA supports the vitreous enamelling industry by representation on Standards, Environmental and Health & Safety committees. VEA also provides a service to the general public. We are available to answer your queries, to help you and to provide information. You will find answers to some of your questions in: Frequently Asked Questions If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please Contact Us

You will find details of products suitable for cleaning vitreous enamel together with some hints and tips for keeping your enamel clean in:- Enamel Care

Enamelling has been around for a long time. The earliest known enamelled objects were made in Cyprus in around the 13th century BC during the Mycenæan period.
See the:  History Page and find out: What is Enamel?

Many more answers can be found in Frequently Asked QuestionsVitreous Enamel is chemically bonded to the base metal by fusing a specialised glass to it at temperatures as high as 850°C. This treatment gives vitreous enamel unique properties in a coating, combining heat and abrasion resistance with a smooth surface finish. The surface has the properties of glass, making it easy to keep clean and pleasing to the eye, combined with long-term durability. You will find vitreous enamel on a range of domestic products ranging in size from large cast iron range type cookers such as the “AGA”, baths and other sanitary ware to small day-to-day cookware; in and on buildings with architectural panels and street signs and in art, design and decorative work. Its use for street and advertising signage is less obvious but equally important where durable and colour stable signs are required. The longevity of enamel is evident in old advertising signs, which have now become collectable antiques. The easily cleaned surface ensures that the scourge of graffiti can be easily removed Click to see Case Study Graffiti Removal

Vitreous enamel is associated with high quality and high performance products. Fire resistance is a necessity seen in constant use on underground station platforms where tunnel linings, fittings and signs are made from vitreous enamel. London’s famous tube map is an enamel product. Its high chemical resistance sees its use in storage tanks for water and sewage, grain silos, vessels and reactors used in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, along with the pipes and valves connecting them.

For a list of companies who carry out the process click Enamellers & Polishers

Please use the Site Map help find what you want to know about vitreous enamel.

For technical enamelling queries, please contact the IVE at IOM3