Platinum pickle

Jewelry Discussion
1

First of all, thanks to everyone who responded to my “Torch fuel
4 Platinum” questions. I’ve orderded a small propane/oxygen
torch, platinum soldering block, etc. and some wire an a small
bit of sheet to get started with some experimenting. Now, my
next question: I’ve read that a weak nitric acid solution should
be used to pickle the platinum BEFORE hitting it with the torch.
Can I just use a fresh batch of Sparex as a pickle, or do I need
to use nitric acid or some other exotic pickle for platinum?

Thanks in advance,
Alan

Alan Derr
Senior Applications Consultant
Summa Four, Enhanced Services Migration Business Unit (ESMBU)

Cisco Systems, Inc.
25 Sundial Avenue
Manchester, NH 03103 USA

Direct: 603-665-3138
Fax: 603-695-1243
Pager: 888-712-5430
@Alan_Derr

2

The reason for using a 10% solution of Nitric acid, is to remove
small quantities of other metals that may have attached
themselves to the platinum. Sparex will not dissolve them.

Have a platinum day
PLATINUM GUILD INTERNATIONAL USA
Jurgen J. Maerz
Manager of Technical Education
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com

3

Alan I use standard Sparex, unless I have contamination from base
metals and then I will use Nitric to remove it. In the case of
gold contamination I will use Aqua Regia