[Jewelry making - Article 00025] - Re: [Orchid] Soldering and coloring steel

[Brian Edginton]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    Silver solder is probably the best method of attaching the steel
    cable, the discoloration is the formation of oxides and should be
    easily polished off of the surface. 

    The best way to darken the surface of the steel is probably not heat,
    although it can be used to obtain colors ranging from light tan or
    straw to a dark blue. The steel must be coated to preserve the oxide
    on the surface, it will be susceptable to wear and scratches. A better
    method for darkening the surface would be the application of organic
    acids in the form of lemon juice, tomato juice, ammonia (kitty litter
    that has been dampened by the cat works very well) etc. You should
    experiment to find a method that achieves the darkness and hue you
    desire. Leaving the surface of the steel in contact with various
    clothes, sponges, etc. during the process will allow you to achieve
    some patterns, too. 

edge

-- 
Brian Edginton
edge AT wasatch.com
ICQ #38144477
Opinions expressed are... 

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________