I have been making reticulated sterling silver jewelry for several
years and finishing it with a brass wire brush, but now I am trying
to streamli ne for production. I have a brand new vibratory tumbler
(Raytech VT-10, I think–it was a gift). Does anyone have any
suggestions for media that won’t take off the reticulated surface? I
prefer a finish that isn’t too shiny.
Thank you!
Susan Lee-Pullen
Does anyone have any suggestions for media that won't take off the reticulated surface? I prefer a finish that isn't too shiny.
A magnetic tumbler. Unlike your raytech, these use tiny,
lightweight steel pins. More like little needles. No metal removal,
but a nice semi bright burnished finish in even the tiniest details.
Perfect for reticulated surfaces. And unlike brass brushes, it won’t
leave a colored surface residue. The machines work quickly (fifteen
minutes to a half hour is quite enough), and because the individual
pins are so small and light, there’s virtually no surface
compression to the burnishing action. Ordinary steel shot will
press a LOT harder, give you considerable surface compression and
hardening, and thus tend to remove and obscure fine details. The
magnetic tumblers don’t do that.
Peter