Studio Chemicals

On Wednesday you'll be able to see our new Wisdom Wednesday about  Studio Chemicals. (https://youtu.be/ALhr9L5goTc)  I was able to use my latent acting abilities to portray a tough chemical worker. The things we do to catch the attention of our readers!! If you haven't seen it, check it out.  
    I have listed the chemicals we use in the studio and the sequence in which they are used. 

First we cut with our very own blend of cutting oil. We find that dipping the cutter before each score lubricates the cutting wheel just enough.

Here is the flux we use . We apply it with a flux brush to the copper foil for a smooth and bumpy free solder line.

Cleaning is my nemesis. No matter how much I scrub, I'm never quite satisfied with the result.

I start with CJ's flux remover (Just a dab will do ya) and a generous amount of water. This makes a plethora of suds so beware.   Another way to begin is to use a cleanser on the dry window and brush it into the crevasses until it gets in every hiding place, then rinse with water.

After wiping that down, give it a good spray of Kwik Clean. This also helps get rid of the pesky flux residue.

Now it's time to choose the color of your metal. If you decide to leave it silver you just pull a small amount of cotton from the can of Never Dull silverware polish. Spread this all over the metal parts (solder and zinc borders). After a vigorous buff you are finished.

If instead you have decided to use a patina you have two choices. Black patina is achieved by pouring a puddle here and there and spreading it on the solder. You can also use a brush to apply this. If you would prefer a bronze tone merely put some black patina on a rag and apply. After wiping the patina on then immediately rub it off for a bronze effect. As Mister Miyagi would say "Sand on, sand off."

Another spray of Kwik Clean and you can polish. We use Clarity polish (and Liva polish). Just put a small amount on a rag and rub it all around. Now your workout comes in handy. Give that window a buff it won't soon forget.

Here is a list of other chemicals you may want to use. Good luck and happy building.
Heavy Metal Hand Cleaner/ Cleanser / Windex (or any spray window cleaner)  Let us know if you have favorites you use!