[Jewelry making - Article 00027] - Re: [Orchid] Quick and dirty silver patina?

[Trevor F]

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>     Have you tried the "chlorine patina" in an ultrasonic? Some patinas
>     come right off. 

    I don't have an ultrasonic so I couldn't say. I'd be surprised if it
    did though. That patina is stuck on there pretty darn good. It does
    bubble up if you heat it a lot, as in several hundred degrees C, so
    maybe the ultrasonic would zap it off. I just don't know. 

>     As for me, I will still go for the old basic liver of sulphur. 

    Absolutely, but let's not forget the subject here. "Quick and dirty"
    it is and given the option I'd use more traditional methods too.
    Unfortunately I don't have that option at the moment (long story) so
    for me this is a useful discovery and it was in that spirit that I
    offered the results of my tests and experiments. 

    I fully appreciate the safety concerns --you'll note that I did say
    to use chemical gloves and a vapor mask and work in a well ventilated
    area-- but let's be realistic.  Compared to some of the acids and
    other chemical cocktails that are often to be found in the jeweller's
    studio I don't think regular household bleach is going to rate too
    high on the "Most Wanted" list.  Appropriate caution and care of
    course but given that I don't think a little "can do" spirit is going
    to lead one too far astray here. 

    I suppose a worthy footnote here is that I've only tried this on
    sterling and fine silver. I understand that it would have little or
    no blackening effect on most gold alloys and frankly I have no
    intention of trying. 

Cheers,
Trevor F.

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