Solder Plating Using Spent Pickle
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses;
0000 Steel Wool;
Copper Tongs; and,
Baking Soda
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In this video, Prof. John Ahr demonstrates how you can hide silver solder seams on copper items using spent pickle. This simple technique does not require any electricity.
To accomplish the plating operation you'll need a container of spent pickle, steel wool, steel wire, tongs and a baking soda and water solution to neutralize your project and tools.
The longer you leave the piece in the solution the heavier the plating will become. But, you will reach a point were the copper stops attaching very well. At this point it's probably a good idea to remove the item from the spent pickle, neutralize it and tumble it. Tumbling will help to burnish the copper to the surface of the item.
If you continue to solder on the piece the copper plating will burn off and will need to be reapplied. Also, it is not advisable to attempt to enamel over a surface plated using this technique.
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This worked PERFECTLY! Thanks for making this such an easy one. I just finished plating my soldered rings and will tumble it in the morning. LOVE working with copper, but none of the copper solders I've tried blend well. This video was the ticket! Thanks.
Hi Cindi, Glad you found the information in the video useful. Copper doesn't like to flow. So, all copper solders are alloyed with something to improve their flow. And, as you know, copper is the only red metal. So, there's always a color difference. Glad the OJA could help.
Thanks for your support! : )
I was told a million times to put my copper in a spent pickle, but no one ever mentioned the steel wool...and it never worked! Thanks so much for the rest of the story!
Hi Randy, I'm glad that the video could solve the mystery for you.
Thanks for your support! : )
You saved my projects!!! Thank you!!!
This was probably one of the best and easiest demonstrations for plating copper that I've ever seen! I've seen other demos without electricity that used nails but it was said the steel or iron had to actually touch each of the individual silver solder joins in order to plate it. You just proved that to be not necessary! 👍 It seems having the steel wool close to the chain was sufficient to get the job done. This was so helpful because I just finished making a copper cuff bracelet by soldering lots of swirls together and I was really dreading trying to plate it. Also, you indicated it can be tumbled afterwards which I can only assume tumbling will not remove the plating (I was worried about that). So... THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS! I have my spent pickle ready. The only thing left to get is some steel wool.👍 Thanks so much!!!😊
I’m glad that you found the video so helpful. Tumbling your plated bracelet will harden the plating and give it a bright finish. Thanks for watching! 😀
I'm glad you posted that this would be coming out next week. I thought I had missed one :)
Dharlee Minter You can always visit our website for the latest videos or to catch up on those that you might have missed. You can find us at www.OnlineJewelryAcademy.com. Thanks for watching! : )
I love your channel so much, highly underrated
Glad you're enjoying the OJA's tutorials. Please help spread the word to your colleagues. : )
Thanks so much for this demo. Now all I need is to get to work and make my pickle nice and green.
Glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for your support! : )
That was very interesting. What i am looking for years now is a video where someone shows m4e how to make a tin cover on copper. I saw it done once some thirty years ago, but canot remember eactly. Thanks for your videos
Hi tenhats, The OJA has a video on electro plating. You'll find it included in the OJA playlist on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. It's under the Field Trips heading. The video shows how professional platers enhance jewelry items with gold, rhodium and silver plating. I know that that isn't exactly what you're looking for. But, you might find it interesting. I have never come across anyone using tin on copper. Perhaps there's a tinsmith in your area who can share the technique with you. Good luck with your creative projects.
Thanks for your support! : )
Its really amazing tips sir.
Hi Zack, I'm glad that you liked the video. You can find more tips like this one on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com
Thanks for your support! : )
Good trick to make use of what is usually a misshap! (the steel in acid I mean). I only work in sterling now, but if I ever work in copper again I'll keep this in mind. Thanks!
Jay Cuneo Thanks for the comment Jay. Your right about steel in the pickle usually being a big problem. In a future video I'll show how to correct the problem of chemical plating copper onto silver when it accidentally happens. Thanks for watching! : )
THAT IS AWESOME NOW I CAN COAT MINE. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
+Buddy Bouchez
Glad you enjoyed the video Buddy. Good luck with your projects.
Thanks for watching! : )
Very nice sir
Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀
😍 Thanks again!
Alice Ryan Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! : )
Thanks, I can't wait to try this. I'm using copper solder for my copper but still finding I get a grey looking seam. Would this process work for copper solder as well? Not sure if my pickle is not hot enough or what but I love copper and am frustrated the copper solder is giving me a dull grey look.
Hi, Glad you liked the video. Yes, this process will cover copper solder. And, your spent pickle doesn't have to be hot. Be sure to tumble the piece after plating to help shine and harden the new material. Good luck with your projects.
Thanks for your support! : )
This is really helpful, thank you! If you use silver solder on brass pieces, will the brass also be plated with copper when dipped in the spent pickle with steel wool?
Yes. The brass will be plated too. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching. 😀
Hi! Just had a quick question: I'm working with gold plated brass. When I place the brass in my pickle it loses it's coating is there a way to re-coat the brass gold? If not, is there a good paint that you can recommend for metals? Thanks!!!
Plated material has to be re-plated after is exposed to the heat of soldering. So, to restore your piece to its original condition, you need to take it to a professional plater. There is no gold paint that can make your brass piece look good again.
Thanks for your support! : )
Hi Professor. just wondered if this would work with plumbers lead free solder as it does containn some solder? I'm trying to solder larger pieces of copper and I am finding it a nightmare with jewellers' solder.
Thanks.
It's never a good idea to use plumbers solder on jewelry projects. I don't know how big the pieces are that you're trying to solder. But, I'm pretty sure that the reason why you're having difficulty using silver solder is because you're not applying enough heat. You may need to increase the size of your torch or use an oxygen assisted torch. Good luck with your projects. 😀
Cheers m'dear.
Hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀
I purchased brass solder from Rio G. and it turns silver; do you have any tips for that?
I've used your tip for copper and it works great!
Thanks again!
Unfortunately, the only suggestion I have for covering solder on brass is to send the object to a plater and have it plated in gold, silver or rhodium. Glad you liked the Hiding Silver Solder video.
Thanks for your support! : )
I've used my pickle a few times soldering Bronze, Copper, Gold filled etc. and took some of it and put it in a clear glass cup. It's not blue though. How did you get it blue to begin with? I added steel wool to it but nothing happened.
The blue-green color of the spent pickle comes from use. if you use your pickle pot regularly to clean sterling silver, copper and brass it will retain copper sulfate which is green. You just need to use your pickle pot and wait until the solution has some color to it.
Thanks for your support! : )
Thanks for your help. Since I have the silver seam from copper solder that I want to get rid of and don't have any blue pickle can I just reheat the pieces to get rid of that grey silver seam? And how much do I have to heat the piece?
Always enjoy your videos. Can you please give me your pickle solution recipe?
Thank you!
+Penni Kinkade
Hi Penni, You should check out the OJA's video on How To Set Up A Pickle Pot video ruclips.net/video/R3PjDIYTzuo/видео.html Be sure to also watch our video on used pickle pot solution disposal. You can fine all of the OJA's videos on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com
Thanks for watching! : )
I would love to try this.. my pickle is so new, not sure how long or how many pieces I'll have to make to turn it blue to coat the solder.
Hi Gisele, I'm glad that our video inspired to try something new. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll have some green pickle in no time.
Thanks for your support! : )
Hi. I know your question is 2 years old but I thought I'd mention what I've done in the past. I actually use a white vinegar and salt pickle (lots of salt!) but if I want to keep copper sulphate on hand for plating, I mix a small batch of pickle in a see-through glass jar and throw some copper wire in it and leave it until it turns blue. You have to be patient so this doesn't help if you're in a hurry but it is a very easy way to be sure you always have some on hand.
Would the copper plate wear off the copper over time like copper plate wears off other metals or is the copper to copper bond stronger? Thanks in advance.
Hi Rhonda! The copper plating will wear off just like any other form of plating. The one that really holds up is nickel plating. In fact, copper is usually plated with nickel (kind of like a primer coat of paint) before it is plated with any other type of metal. The nickel prevents the copper from reacting with the final plating. I hope this information helps.
Thanks for your support! : )
I use basic solder (brown sticks) to solder copper. The pickle pot works great. However, I found that when I filed down some of the solder because it was too much, the pickle would then not cover the smoothed solder areas, remaining grey and exposed. Do I need to do an extra step? Why doesn’t the copper stick to the solder? Thanks so much.
The solution in your pickle pot removes oxides and copper from the surface of an item. To cover the solder joints with a copper plating, you have to use spent pickle (old pickle saturated with copper sulphate) in a separate container along with some steel. 😀
OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks, that’s exactly what I did, but it wouldn’t cover the newly ground down surface area where the grounded down solder showed. It covered the rest of the solder nicely. 🤔
Fiona Thompson That’s a brain scratcher for sure.
Can you use the spent pickle solution multiple times (until copper in the solution is all used up)? I really love your channel. It is very informative. Thank you so much.
Atsuko Uchida Yes, you can use the spent pickle solution repeatedly until it is completely depleted of copper. Glad you’re enjoying the OJA’s free videos. If you want a more focused project experience, you might want to check out our paid courses on Udemy.com. There are links and discount codes for the courses in the descriptions to the OJA’s free videos. 🙂
Hi thank you for yoyr video.
Is it work on Brass too?
This process will make your brass look like copper. It is for copper projects only. : )
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thnks for reply :)
hi sir John I am anton from the Philippines..I wpuld love to do electropalting soon..but just would like to ask if you may electroplate gold aluminum wires...thank you..
Hi Anton, You need to watch this video: ruclips.net/video/SUNLzj5ESzM/видео.html Another good video in the OJA playlist for you to watch is the Tour of the 1928 Jewelry Factory. Both of these videos include information about commercial plating services. I would encourage you not to plate over aluminum. The plating will easily flake off it the material bends. Plus, it's not worth much. You should consider using brass or silver for your project instead. Good luck.
Thanks for your support! : )
OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you so much sir john..if ever you come to the Philippines let me know... :)
I’m guessing you shouldn’t do this while the pot is still plugged in?
I added 0000 steel wool to my pickle with my copper bracelet already in it and it began to “sizzle” and steam/smoke. The odor burned my nose so I brought it outside. My steel wool disintegrated (eventually) and my silver solder isn’t coated. I use PH down...could that be the problem?
This process only works with "spent" pickle: green pickle that doesn't work anymore. I usually transfer my cold, spent pickle to another container that has a resealable lid. When I need to plate a copper piece, I pour some of the spent pickle into a bowl and introduce some steel into the solution. You shouldn't do this in your actual pickle pot with hot pickle. I recommend that you neutralize the pickle you used with some baking soda and dispose of it according to your local laws. (The OJA does have a video on pickle disposal.) Clean out your pickle pot and start over with some fresh water and your Ph Down. Your silver didn't plate either because there wasn't enough copper sulphate in the pickle or because the steel wasn't in contact with your piece. 😀
Hi John. Does this work with silver solder on bronze wire? Thanks. Leslie
Hi Leslie, No. If you try this with bronze it will just get copper plated. Remove the solder from your piece without removing the bronze. Then, apply a finish and see what you get. If you really minimize the solder you might be surprised how hidden the seam will be. Good luck!
Thanks for your support! : )
Thanks John. I'm new to soldering. I will try less solder. I have tried removing the solder with files and sandpapers. I think I have burnished it into the bronze wire. The solder seemed to spread along the bottom of the wire where I laid the seam over the pallion (on the solderite block) as well as filling the seam. So on one side of the wire there is soldering showing, but on the other... not so much. I wish I could add a pic here.
I would recommend that you watch some of the soldering videos that are posted on the website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. Solder should be cut into 1mm square segments. It will literally penetrate your metal and make a connection on a molecular level. Controlling the flow of solder is achieved by limiting the flux to the area of the solder seam and evenly heating the piece. Good luck with your projects.
Thanks for your support! : )
The Blue liquid is only "Copper sulphate" not mixed some water... Right?
Thank you teacher
The fluid in the video is spent pickle. It’s water and sodium Bisulfate that can’t hold any more copper sulfate.
My copper atoms are migrating as I write. It doesn't look like it's doing much good for the steel wool, but it works! :) Many thanks.
Sydney Calling You're so welcome for the information. Thanks for watching! : )
I would love to see you do a video on electroforming.
Sorry, I’m not comfortable posting videos on processes that involve electricity and hazardous materials. I’m sure that someone else has posted a tutorial on that topic. Good luck with your creative pursuits. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Gotcha. Thanks for responding.😀
Hi Prof. John. I have a question for you or anyone that can answer. Will copper plating with spent pickle work for a vinegar and salt solution?
Hmmm. Good question. I've never worked with a vinegar and salt pickle solution. So I've never tried it. I assume that it will work the same way as a solution made from sodium bisulfate. It won't hurt to try and experiment and see what happens. Post a follow up and let us all know what your results were like.
Thanks for your support! : )
Wow thanks for the quick response. It seemed to work at first but then the copper wiped right off. Back to experimenting. By the way I love your teaching. It is simple yet very informative. I've learned a lot from you.
God Bless
Thanks for posting your results. And, thanks for the compliment.
So, how long would you tumble in this case? It seems that if you tumble this piece, won't it scrub the metal at the joints and reveal those silver joints all over again...??
+Zippy DoDah
Tumbling is a mechanized burnishing process. If you use the correct mix of water, lubricant and acid, the metal shot will slip over the piece that you plated in the used pickle and simply smooth the surface. Polishing the piece with a motorized polishing system would strip the plating. Good luck with your projects.
Thanks for watching! : )
Zippy DoDah Just subscribed to your channel! From an art teacher to an art teacher your instructional method is spot on! Question? You mentioned acid in the tumbler. I've always used water and Dawn soap in my Lortone tumbler. Should I be adding an acid? If so what kind and how much for a one pound tumbler? Thank you!
Can you patina on top of this plating?........ I'm assuming you would need to be gentle when getting the highlights in the patina....
+Chris Hayes
Hi Chris, Before you apply a patina to a copper plated item like the one in the video, I would recommend that you tumble it for at least an hour. And yes, you would need to be gentle when you remove some of the patina. I always recommend running a couple of tests before you try something on a real piece of jewelry. Good luck with your project.
Thanks for watching! : )
Thanks!
I stopped making copper jewelry because cleaning up silver solder from copper is so annoying to me haha
just out of curiosity, would it work with aluminium instead of silver solder
+Daniel Kadera
Hi Daniel, You cannot solder with aluminum. Aluminum is usually welded using electricity. Plus, you never want to work with aluminum in your studio. Aluminum contamination will cause castings to be extremely porous and brittle. Stick to the materials that I demonstrate with in the videos and you can't go wrong.
Thanks for watching! : )
What do you do if you don't have old pickle on hand?
The safest thing to do would be to anneal the copper you intend to work with and make some used pickle. It’s possible to create a copper sulfate solution. But it’s not advisable because it’s toxic. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you for your response!
Good! It works, but, as soon as I polish the piece, the silver would come out again. What can I do to prevent this? I have to polish my piece XD
You need to tumble the piece to make it shine. The OJA has videos on tumbling in its playlist. 😀
Could this be electroplated over to be made silver or gold?
It’s best to take things to a professional playing service to have them plated with precious metals. Most players use nickel as a foundation before plating using silver or gold. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy is there a way I could speak with you over the phone in dealing with an issue? I make costume jewelry and I’ve SCOURED the Internet looking for answers and I’m coming up short
@@scandalous1872 Let’s start with you going to the OJA website: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. On the Contact page, type up your questions in the Comment box. I’ll look at them and see if I have any suggestions or answers. 🧐
Thank you so much
Spent pickle from pickling copper?
Yes, spent (or saturated) pickle can come about from pickling copper and/or sterling silver items. Many jewelers test their designs in copper. And a large number often create wearables from copper. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you so much. Can this spent pickle also be used in t the process of etching? Beginner here. 🤓
@@plaru5194 Spent pickle will not etch copper. When pickle is “spent” it is completely saturated with copper sulfate. So it has zero ability to etch a copper plate. Print makers use different materials. Good luck with your creative pursuits. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you 👍
contain some silver.
You should check out the videos on the OJA website that explain how to solder your project for additional information. Our website is at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com. Good luck! 🍀