In regard to the rosie areas appearing on gold after soldering
(mentioned by Brenda from Mason City, Iowa). Is that how fire scale
appears on gold? I would frequently end up with a pinkish gold
colored 14k after soldering and really disliked it. I prefer the
color I started with. I’ve heard other Orchidites ask about it
before also. I don’t think an answer ever came up that satisfied me.
Now Brenda’s comment on rosie areas rang a bell. Fire
scale on 14k appears rosie???Annette
Annette - I have this problem as well. I have been told it was my
flux. So I switched from dandix to batterns when solder gold and
sterling. I still use the dandix when just soldering sterling. I
can’t really say it has solved the problem, but it has helped. Wish I
could figure this thing out. Don’t really think its firescale. Does
anybody else out there know? Take care - Sarah
Wish I could figure this thing out. Don't really think its firescale. Does anybody else out there know?
It IS firescale, i.e., copper oxide, and as with firescale on silver
there are a few ways to prevent it and a few ways to remove it after
the fact. Here are some of those ways:
Prevention: Apply a good oxidation-inhibiting flux, use a neutral
flame, and try not to overheat the metal.
Removal: Abrasion or stripping.
Other possibilities: Depletion gild the metal (raise a layer of
fine gold over the firescale by repeated heating and pickling) or
switch to an 18K alloy.
Beth