Residues

[Stephen Richard]

I've posted my views on dealing with residues in my blog
http://glasstips.blogspot.com/2011/09/residues.html
Have a look if you are interested.

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for this.  I have noticed a definite improvement in the appearance of residue/'fuzzy solder' since adopting the habit of rinsing soldered and patina's pieces with a little bi-carb & ammonia mix in the water.

[Graham]

I've posted my views on dealing with residues in my blog
http://glasstips.blogspot.com/2011/09/residues.html
Have a look if you are interested.

Baking soda is also my favourite acid neutralizer. I sometimes use Neutra 500, but mostly I go with the baking soda.

I just sprinkle it on to the wet (after rinsing) project. Then swish it about with a very wet rag, getting into all the nooks (and an occasional cranny), no scrubbing. Next I rinse with a combination os water pressure and again swishing with a very wet rag. This time, to remove any residual soda.

Allow to dry - then wax.

[Stephen Richard]

Thanks for this.  I have noticed a definite improvement in the appearance of residue/'fuzzy solder' since adopting the habit of rinsing soldered and patina's pieces with a little bi-carb & ammonia mix in the water.

I'm not sure what additional neutralisation ammonia does in addition to the bicarbonate of soda.  I don't like the smell anyway.

[Graham]

I'm not sure what additional neutralisation ammonia does in addition to the bicarbonate of soda.  I don't like the smell anyway.

We agree on that too. Yuck!!! Hate the smell!!

[glasisfun]

I have used ammonia in the water to wash the pieces as I  make a window, but have not tried using it after patina.  I will try it on my next piece, as I am familiar with the "fuzzy solder" phenomenon.  Thanks for the tip!

[Stephen Richard]

OK, then.  How do you get rid of the ammonia?  It is an alkaline substance rather than an neutral one.

[Ian]

Wash it with water!!!!
Ian

[Elizabeth]

The ammonia/bi-carb mix was a 'recipe' I found on somewhere....can't remember where, to supposedly cure the 'fuzzy solder syndrome'.   I did find that using it neat - as instructed, seemed to leave a white residue, (I thought that maybe because I can only access 'cloudy' ammonia here?)   even after a clear wash - so have been using it greatly diluted.
HOWEVER....will gladly change over to plain bi-carb!  Also hate ammonia!

[Kev]

I had a jug of that mixed in my studio that sat there for a few years...it developed a leak and when I looked at it again it was empty.

[Graham]

I had a jug of that mixed in my studio that sat there for a few years...it developed a leak and when I looked at it again it was empty.

But I'll bet your studio isn't developing any white crud around the edges,eh!!

[Glassic]

I had a jug of that mixed in my studio that sat there for a few years...it developed a leak and when I looked at it again it was empty.

But I'll bet your studio isn't developing any white crud around the edges,eh!!

LOL, well said Graham!

Elizabeth, I've never been able to 'see' the difference between cloudy and regular ammonia. They both have the same rotten smell when I 'self clean' my warm oven with a cup of the stuff. And, on my return from a shpping spree, have done the same job!

[Kev]

Actually it did Graham...the Bicarb I suspect...LOL

[Rebecca]

Ammonia is just a stronger base than baking soda.  They both will neutralize the acidic flux and/or patina.  And since ammonia is liquid, theoretically it will rinse off nice and clean.  I have found with my calcium-rich water, that I get a white film if I use ammonia.  Remembering basic chemistry - the neutralization reactions is an acid plus a base yields water plus a salt.  I think the calcium in my water combines to deposit a calcium-based salt as the white film.  But I could be wrong - someone with more chemistry training might be able to tell us exactly why some of us get a white film with ammonia.  I use CJ's flux neutralizer.  A little bottle lasts a long time and I don't have to remember to buy something else when I go to the grocery store.

Rebecca

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth, I've never been able to 'see' the difference between cloudy and regular ammonia. They both have the same rotten smell when I 'self clean' my warm oven with a cup of the stuff. And, on my return from a shpping spree, have done the same job!
[/quote]

Oh you can see the 'cloud' in ours! - and the smell is eye-watering! 
Our water would well be the culprit for..well, just about anything!  We don't get luxuries like flux neutralizer here - but ALWAYS have bi-carb (baking soda) in the store cupboard,  so I'm sorted!

[Graham]

Hint to those who may be thinking of starting to use baking soda - Don't pay the exorbitant price charged for "brand name" soda, like "Cow" or "Arm & Hammer" brand. It sells by the pound at bulk food stores at a fraction of the price.

[jackie]

I just sprinkle it on to the wet (after rinsing) project. Then swish it about with a very wet rag, getting into all the nooks (and an occasional cranny), no scrubbing. Next I rinse with a combination os water pressure and again swishing with a very wet rag. This time, to remove any residual soda



what is os water....... Is it a different type of water.... the only water I know is hard or soft water.... so can you please explain it for

 me

[Kev]

I think he meant to say with a combination "of" water pressure......not os water.

[Graham]

I think he meant to say with a combination "of" water pressure......not os water.

Well interpreted, old chap. Jolly good!
I suffer from Phatt Phinger Syndrome.
Phingers don't always hit the correct letter.

[Glassic]

Graham, I think that must be a couple of Difflective Phlingers.