Helpful tips for:
Annealing
Quenching
Pickling
Degreasing & rinsing
Polishing & finishing
Annealing
Argentium 930 Silver displays a paler colour than standard sterling silver at red heat. To prevent overheating the alloy, it is recommended to carry out annealing procedures in a shaded area. For furnace annealing, the recommended temperature is 1100°F / 595°C.
It is important not to touch, move or manipulate Argentium 930 Silver while it is at red heat, as this may cause cracking. Simply make sure that work is securely supported whlst heating and wait until the red heat has disappeared before touching or moving the silver.
It is not recommended to anneal or solder Argentium Silver alloys on charcoal blocks. The charcoal creates a reducing atmosphere that inhibits the formation of the protective germanium oxide, during heating operations.
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Quenching
Argentium 930 Silver retains heat for longer than standard sterling silver. It is important to wait for any red heat to disappear before quenching (this is best judged in a shaded area). If Argentium Silver is quenched too quickly cracking may occur.
N.B.: Quenching should be carried out in water. It is hazardous to quench metals in pickle solutions.
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Pickling
Recommended pickling solutions:
- Sodium Bisulphate
- Weak Sparex
Do not use Hydrofluoric Acid with Argentium Silver. Hydrofluoric Acid dissolves the protective germanium oxide.
Pickling solutions should be heated to recommended working temperatures, in order for them to work effectively.
It is recommended to use pickling solution that is not over used. The strength of any pickling solution will diminish with use and saturated solutions can leave unwanted deposits on the surface of immersed pieces.
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Degreasing & rinsing
Neutral pH degreasing solutions (pH6 - pH8) are recommended.
Dishwashing detergent (e.g. Joy), can be used as a degreasing agent. For use in a ultrasonic tank, dilute with tap water (approximately 0.5 detergent : 100 water) and heat to approximately 50-54°C / 122-130°F. Immerse pieces for 1-2 minutes.
Thoroughly rinse degreased articles with water and dry carefully to avoid water staining.
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Polishing & finishing
It is important to use separate polishing wheels and mops for Argentium Silver to avoid contamination from other metals or materials. If this is not possible, then polishing wheels and mops must be thoroughly raked before use.
Tumble finishing: The following processes can be recommended:- Rough cut with epoxy cones and triangles in a vibratory tumbler
- Steel-shot mixture in a rotary tumbler
It is important to maintain clean shot and solution. Thoroughly rinse and dry articles after tumbling.
Cynthia Eid's metal working sequence for a high-polished finish - Option 1:
- Saw, drill and/or form the metal
- Solder, pickle and rinse
- Polish
- Harden by heat-treatment (this will increase the germanium oxide layer)
- Pickle and rinse
- Use Goddard's Long Shine Silver Cloth for added protection and to bring back any shine lost to heating and pickling (Tiffany & Co. Mitts are also recommended)
Option 2:
- Saw, drill and/or form the metal
- Solder, pickle and rinse
- Harden by heat-treatment (this will increase the germanium oxide layer)
- Pickle and rinse
- Polish and clean
- Heat the piece at 250°F/120°C for 10-20 minutes (to optimise the tarnish resistance)
- Pickle and rinse (if necessary)
- Use Goddard's Long Shine Silver Cloth for added protection and to bring back any shine lost to heating (Tiffany & Co. Mitts are also recommended
Cynthia Eid's metal working sequence for a satin finish:
- Saw, drill and/or form the metal
- Solder, pickle and rinse
- Abrade with Scotch-Brite
- Harden by heat-treatment (this will increase the germanium oxide layer)
- Pickle and rinse
- Clean with a brass brush and soapy water
- Rub with a Goddard's Long Shine Silver Cloth (Tiffany & Co. Mitts are also recommended)
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