Hello to all,
I’ve been reading the postings with interest, and have already
gleaned a lot of valuable – thanks to all!
After a long break from metalsmithing (which I stopped when I was
pregnant due to the risks involved), I now have a small workshop
arrangement where I am gradually trying to refresh and rebuild my
skills to the level they were when I stopped.
Now, I am trying to do some nitric acid etching on sterling. I have
some old asphaltum that I have thinned slightly with mineral spirits,
and I have tried to clean the metal as well as I am able (with
detergent and scotch pad)… perhaps I should be using pumice? Anyway,
I am finding that the asphaltum is lifting about 10 minutes into the
etch - I am aiming for a slow 30 minute etch. Is my asphaltum at
fault, or my cleaning? Maybe both? All help appreciated.
Also, I have some old sheets of sterling that had masking tape over
them (I can’t imagine why). The masking tape has dried and well and
truly adhered to the surface of the metal – so far I have been
unable to find anything to remove it. I have tried acetone, WD40
(oil), and alcohol, each without success. Any thoughts as to how to
remove it without damaging the surface of the metal?
Thanks to all for the invaluable knowledge that you pass on,
Sadie