A quick hello, and question from a new member.

[Former_Member]

Hi! I'm just starting to foray into metalsmithing, and I've found copper to be my preferred metal. I love how easy it is to work with and how forgiving it is, to mention nothing of how beautiful it is.

However... I am having some trouble with my pickling routine. I use sparex #2 for this last batch in a small crock pot, heating it up when I was working. My problem comes from the pickling solution itself - it's congealing. I've gone through two batches in under a month and I'm not using to make that much stuff as I'm still learning.

I've googled and searched and couldn't find anything about Sparex and it congealing or how to keep it from congealing or even what that would mean. So thanks in advance for any help.

~Rach

[Former_Member]

hi!
I am using citric acid for pickling copper, and for me it is ok. I heat it to boiling temperature. Maybe You should try.
Olga

[Former_Member]

Hi,

For my pickle I use 1 T salt to 1c of vinegar. The patina tutorial I just bought said to use baking soda and vinegar. I have had good results with the formula and onyl change it when it turns blue and I want to clean bone or pearl. The blue solution dyes the beads blue : (

Have you got any experience working with Universal Patina or Dye Oxide Patina. I need advice. Thanks good luck!

[Former_Member]

I use the Sparex and have found that if you don't keep a lid on it when you are not using it, it will congeal to a blobby mess...