[Jewelry making - Article 00403] - Re: [Orchid] Removing epoxy

[joharra]

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    A fairly simple solution  I was taught a number of years ago, is
    plain old rubbing alcohol. Yep, the stuff you can buy at the
    pharmacy or grocery store.  Usually for less than a buck a bottle.
    To remove a set stone, I simply drop the item in a jar with enough
    rubbing alcohol to cover it completely, seal the jar and let sit. 
    Depending on the setting, ie a lacy or filigree style or a plain,
    tight bezel,  it can take over night or longer.  I generally check
    it after about 8-12 hours.  If it is not moving much, I may pry the
    setting open more to allow the alcohol access to the epoxy, replace
    the item in the jar and let it soak some more.  It will make the
    epoxy gummy, and you can then remove the stone from the setting, or
    scrape/peel it off your stone/item. If  I am doing anything that
    requires soldering, I remove/scrape all the epoxy I can, off.  It is
    very nasty to burn off.  

    Just a couple of things to remember; Know if you are working with
    dyed stones, the alcohol can remove the dye, along with the epoxy.
    This is good, if you want to remove excess dyes from stones or
    beads, but bad if you or your customer is happy with the dye in the
    stone. Nor would I  recommend using this for pearls, amber or other
    softer - fragile stones, unless you test it first.  

I hope this helps.
AJ Cullum
Gemini Dreams


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