How do I achieve the almost “stardust” looking finish on sterling silver? It looks like silver filings soldered onto the silver. I was wondering if there was a special method to this. Do I have to use paste solder? Thanks!
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Can you post a photo of what you are describing? I do a finish that I might describe the way that you describe Stardust. My economy rolling mill came with a texture roller that produces it. I also do a similar finish with a hard pointed anvil on my flex shaft hammer tool. I will post pictures if you want them…Rob
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Try roller printing with a rolling mill using coarse sandpaper. I’ve used 60, 80, 100, 120 grit sandpapers.
Put your highly polished metal and the sandpaper between wider sheets of very heavy paper to protect the rollers from loose grit. Be sure the rollers are free of grit right after you finish texturing your metal.
Very light burnishing in a tumbler can improve the shine.
Neil A
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Here is a video that may address the texture you are looking for. It shows how silver filings are fused to silver to make a textured surface. No solder, just heat. 【SILVER JEWELRY】How to make texture cuff☆如何製作質地★Como hacer textura★Como fazer textura／テクスチャーバングルの作り方 - YouTube
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Hello Maureen,
Heavy grit sandpaper does roller print a nice texture on sterling.
Another method if you don’t have access to a mill is the “Minimat Brush”, Stuller Item #: 11-7100:100000:T. It is a miniature version of the metal brush with flexible tines used for removing thick rust. Not very expensive. Experiment with speed and pressure for different finishes.
Caution is advised when using. Wear gloves or you may shred your skin a bit! Safety glasses too.
Judy in Kansas, where winter seems to really be on the way. So far we have escaped heavy snowfall, but it’s coming!
I’ve been using a different/but similar method to texture my pieces for ten years now. 
I think I’ll try combining the rolling milk “stardust” with my usual method.
Thanks everyone for sharing.
I’ve made a passable version by spraying a piece with flux, dipping it in the filings tray on my bench, and if I think to do it filing a little bit of easy solder on too. Torch the snot outta the piece (technical term there), and you’re all set! The effect you get if you heat it a little too much and the whole thing starts to go is also pretty cool, but definitely more post-apocalyptic than stardust. AMHIK. 
🤷
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I’d just typed my reply before realizing @Judy_in_Kansas had already mentioned the Minimat brushes. Will post anyway to add to her good advice:
You can get a frosty-stardusty finish with the MiniMat texture wheels. They’re made to go on little lathe spindles, and there is also a much smaller size that can go into the handpiece of your pendant motor of choice.
I reckon the medium (.45mm) or smaller (.30mm) wires will do the trick. They’re not cheap, but they’re pretty fun, although I’d use them in conjunction with patina, Argentium or keum boo because the idea of cleaning or caring for those weenie recessed bits just isn’t fun, so it seems best to combine with a material that is meant to be patinaed, or will resist oxidization.
Definitely echo the caution bit. Safety glasses are a must – I’ve had wire bristles bounce off my goggles.
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Thanks so much @vera_m that’s a wonderful tutorial and a great option for texturing!