[Source] platinum foil

HI!

I asked my dentist husband and we got it from the local dental lab.
Look in the yellow pages, or ask your dentist which lab he uses. They
may not even know about it, due to the fact that there are many
ways to do this work today. It was originally used for doing
porcelain work on dental bridges. If they can’t get a piece for you
ask them for the name of their dental lab metal supplier. I
originally purchased a 6"X6" piece which I still have. We are not sure
the thickness. Ask the lab for some specifics. If all else fails
write me again, and I will check with the dental lab here and get what
I can.

WARNING: Platinum has some peculiarities in its working properties.
I had to learn the hard way. Platinum foil can not be heated in the
same kiln with an iron trivet. It will become dull in color and will
actually pick up on the surface I am not sure just what, but, this
will foul up the future enamel somewhat. What I did, was to scouer
the surface, and then made up a trivet of some scraps of 18 ga. fine
silver which I used for many years over and over. The silver can
always be reclaimed again any time.

ENAMELING: I am not sure how this works with the lead free enamels.
I have a 20 life time supply of the old lead bearing, beautiful clear
vibrant transparents. Also have used the Schauer enamels with it and
was really great. If you do Plique-a’-jour please, please make it as
transparent as you possibly can. Otherwise what’s the purpose? I
will be putting up on my web page photos of my jewelry hopefully soon.
Will post a message when I finish it. These are mostly cast 18Kt
green gold pieces with plique-a’-jour and set with sapphires etc…

Pat DIACCA Topp

Per the platinum/steel problem. Platinum will suck up any metal when
heated, it likes to ‘alloy’ itself. This will give you brittle
section.( This does require A LOT of heat to do.) If you do
contaminate your plat, the dark area must be removed before the plat
is heated again. Tungsten carbide is the only really safe metal to
use with platinum. You can buy welding rods of tungsten from the
local welding supply store. karen in vancouver