[Jewelry making - Article 00149] - Re: [Orchid] Keum boo burnishing marks

[Cynthia Wiig]

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    Can't resist joining this discussion . . . . 

    Kumboo is a wonderful technique.  I have soldered findings both
    before and after applying the gold foil.  If blisters appear, I will
    just go back to the kumboo burnishing process to reburnish the
    blisters.  If it is a large blister, you can pierce a pinhole and
    burnish towards the hole.  I prefer to go back to the heat method for
    reburnishing, for durability, but on rare occasions will use a
    fingernail if necessary for a stubborn spot. Sometimes, I think it
    might be due to an impurity on the silver surface before applying the
    kumboo - so, it is always good to make sure the silver is clean. 

    As Katherine described in her answer, my experience also has shown
    that when the piece to receive the gold foil comes to the proper
    temperature - the application (burnishing) of the foil is almost
    effortless.  And, I also continuously repolish my tools to have the
    smoothest response to the burnishing.  Of course, it is best to be
    very careful not to marr the metal . . . prevention.  I have modified
    a few dental tools to use for burnishing. One of them has a small
    rounded end that works well for burnishing very specific areas
    (especially useful in reburnishing the few blisters that can appear
    after soldering the findings).  Be careful if your burnisher has a
    pointed end that can cause havoc in marring the metal.  Just sand
    and refinish your burnisher and buff it to keep it smooth. 

    It is possible to use a small bristle brush (with bobbing compound
    or equivalent) and/or possibly a small pumice wheel in the flex shaft
    - just to lightly clean any burnishing marks in the surrounding metal
    right up to the edge of the gold foil.  Just go easy.  Minimal
    careful polishing should be okay on the foil itself.  If I'm
    achieving a soft matte finish - I will polish the piece first and
    then go back to do the matte finish. 

    Thanks for letting us know about the availability of agate
    burnishers. . . I look forward to giving one (or, rather two) a try! 

:) Cynthia

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