Scott Penisten, age 9, of Newton, Iowa, for his question:

IS PORCELAIN ENAMEL LIKE ENAMEL PAINT?

Porcelain enamel is a glasslike substance that may be transparent or opaque. In art work,it is used to decorate the surface of metal, glass or pottery.

Porcelain enamel acts as a protective surface for many metal products such as cooking utensils, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and store and shop equipment.

Porcelain enamel is also used as a building surface for some store fronts and gas stations. .

We call it "enamel paint" because it looks much like porcelain enamel. The two products are not the same, however. Enamel paint is a kind of glossy paint that contains substances such as varnish which, after drying, leave a hard, glossy surface.

Porcelain enamel uses such items as quartz, silica or mineral oxides for coloring. A special process and other minerals are then used to unite the heated enamel with an article's surface.