Silver plating: purpose and methods

In the jewelry industry, professionals often use a variety of methods to alter the appearance and physical characteristics of jewelry. Silver and gold are used not only in the manufacture of jewelry, but also for the processing of items made of various metals. Along with gilding, the process of silvering is also in demand, let's take a closer look at its purpose and methods.

Silver plating is a special process during which objects are covered with a thin layer of light metal. Items made from alloys of various metals are processed. This option is in demand among both beginners and experienced jewelers. The essence of silvering is to enhance the decorative and physical properties of the product.

Covering with an additional layer noticeably improves the appearance of the object, shine and shine return, defects are overlapped, the decoration acquires an attractive shade. A it is also worth paying attention to the passivation of the metal - this is the process during which the metal surface passes into a passive state. As a result of such changes, the metal becomes immune to corrosion and other negative influences from the environment.

As already noted, silvering is performed not only in the laboratory, but also at home. The main thing is the step-by-step implementation of the process and compliance with safety standards. The main purpose of silvering is to improve the aesthetic qualities and protect the product from damage. In most cases, the following metals are coated with a thin layer of silver:

• brass;
• copper;
• aluminum;
• steel;
• nickel;
• silver (old jewelry fade over time and acquire a yellow tint, with the help of processing they will again begin to please the eye).

The practice of processing not only jewelry, but also cutlery is widespread. The price of some sets reaches several million rubles. To preserve the presentation, it is recommended to periodically cover the items with a thin layer of light metal.

The following materials are subjected to the silvering process:

• ceramics;
• plastic and plastic;
• iron;
• glass (we are talking not only about the processing of mirrors, but also about carrying decorative parts to the glass surface).

If everything is clear with the visual purpose of the procedure, it is worth taking a closer look at the practical side. Silver has the following characteristics:

• electrical conductor;
• high resistance to oxidation and corrosion;
• excellent reflectivity and thermal conductivity.

There are many options for processing products by applying a thin layer of silver to them. This service is especially popular in jewelry workshops, where it is also called oxidation. This procedure is applied to both jewelry and products from other metals. In addition to the chemical elements necessary for the preparation of solutions and pastes, the following should be prepared:

• thick gloves;
• work clothes;
• rags in the amount of several pieces;
• a fan (if there is not sufficient ventilation in the room where the silvering will be carried out);
• atomizer - the duller the atomization is, it is easier to clean hard-to-reach areas on various products and jewelry.

This method involves electrochemical exposure to the product or surface to be treated. The main feature of this method is that the precious metal molecules are deposited in an uneven layer. As a result, a crystal pattern is obtained on objects. The transfer is performed by closing the electrical circuit.

To get the job done, you need the following:

• a container into which the processed product can be immersed; it must be plastic or glass;
• electrolyte (for filling the container);
• during work, the product needs fixation, so special holders are needed;
• current source;
• silver used for application.

The processing process is as follows:

• objects to be processed are connected to a negative charge;
• an object must be connected to a positive charge, the chemical elements from which will be transferred to another object;
• under the influence of an electric current, silver molecules will begin to settle on the surface of the workpiece, resulting in a reliable protective layer with a pleasant shine.

In this case, you need to prepare a solution from special reagents. When interacting with other metals, they will form white precious metal molecules. They will serve as raw materials for additional coating. To carry out the work, you will definitely need antichlorine in the amount of 1 liter. It is also known as sodium thiosulfate. You cannot do without the following components:

• ammonia (ammonia solution) - 5-6 drops;
• formalin - an approximate volume of 6 to 10 drops.

Silver plating at home is done as follows:

• alcohol is poured into the main component, observing the indicated proportions;
• the item selected for processing properly prepares; it must be thoroughly cleaned by placing it in a soda solution and boiling;
• then rinse with water;
• place the product in a liquid made of chemicals, leave for 2 hours;
• after the time has elapsed, the object is rinsed and left to dry.

To prepare the required substance at home, you need to prepare special chemicals.The processing option is chosen depending on the metal to be coated with silver. Let's consider the method using copper as an example. List of required reagents:

• distilled water;
• potassium chloride (table salt) - 8 grams;
• tartar - 8 grams;
• silver chloride - 6 grams.

The procedure is performed as follows:

• the alloy used must be cleaned of rust, if any;
• the chemicals are crushed and mixed until a substance is obtained in the form of a gel or paste;
• the copper object is completely covered with the resulting compositions; a rag (rag) is used for work;
• the paste is kept on the surface until a silvery layer is formed, and then it is rinsed and polished.

In this case, you will need to purchase silver nitrate, which is also called a lapis pencil. This is a difficult method of silvering, but it forms a reliable and durable coating on the surface. To prepare the solution, the following components are needed:

• nitrate - 2 grams;
• water - 300 milliliters.

Hydrochloric acid is gradually mixed into the resulting composition. Together, you can use a water-based sodium chloride solution (10%). The preparation of the solution must be carried out until a precipitate - silver chloride - becomes noticeable at the bottom of the container. The resulting substance should be carefully collected and rinsed with plenty of clean water.

Pieces of silver, which have fallen to the bottom in the form of flakes, are thoroughly mixed with a liquid, which consists of sodium hyposulfite (20 grams) and pure water (100 milliliters). The finished mixture is filtered and mixed with chalk crumbs or ordinary tooth powder. Prepare a solution until a substance resembling sour cream is obtained. The resulting composition is applied to the product and left for a certain time until a silver film appears on the surface.

Another option for processing a product at home is done by heating. For work, you need a special solution in which the object is immersed. To prepare the mixture yourself, you will need the following components:

• table salt - 600 grams;
• silver chloride - 100 grams;
• tartar (this element is also indicated under the name - potassium bitartrate) in the amount of 600 grams.

You need to store it in a dark glass container. You will need water to prepare the solution. For 5 liters of liquid, use no more than three tablespoons of the finished dry powder. The composition is brought to a boil, after which the product is lowered into the liquid and boiled for half an hour.

In the process of work, a persistent plaque is formed. To get rid of it, you can prepare the following mixture:

• clean water - 5 liters;
• acetic-lead salt - 100 grams;
• antichlorine (also known as sulphurous sodium salt and hyposulfite) - 300 grams.

The solution is heated to a temperature of about + 80 ° C. An object is immersed in it for 25 minutes. After processing, an attractive glow appears on the object.

In order to determine which method is best for each material, it is recommended to carry out trial processing and compare the results. When working from home, be aware of safety precautions, especially when using hazardous chemicals.

With the help of chemicals and knowing the process of performing the work, it is possible to perform amalgamation in non-industrial conditions. It is the process of extracting metals from ore. However, this method involves the use of mercury, which makes the procedure especially dangerous.

It is worth adhering to the following tips:

• reacting chemicals can harm health and well-being, so the room for the procedure must be thoroughly ventilated;
• make sure that no strangers approach the workplace, especially small children and pets;
• the resulting waste should be disposed of safely, depending on its composition;
• be sure to use gloves, respirators and special glasses, and it is also recommended to wear protective clothing;
• After finishing silvering, clean tools, work clothes and protective equipment.

For methods of silvering, see the next video.