2. Polishing.
Metal Polishing Techniques:
1 Choose only high quality cleaning and buffing cloths for
polishing precious metals. Whenever possible, choose those that
are made for the specific metal to be polished.
2 Test the polish or cleaner on a part of the metal that doesn't show
before actually using it on the item's surface. If it causing more
scratching or otherwise damages the product, then move on to an
alternative polishing method.
3 Polish small sections of the metal at a time. Also polish with the
grain of the item, not in circles.
4 Apply gentle pressure when polishing. Too much pressure can
scratch any metal.
5 Buff the product after cleaning and polishing the item until no
residue comes off on the buffing cloth and the metal appears shiny.
3. Mottling.
Mottling:
This is a process used to finish a flat piece of metal. A piece of wooden dowel
is placed in the drill and the material is coated in a grinding paste. The drill
is
then switched on and while the dowel is spinning it is then pressed into the
piece and it produces a circular pattern on the metal.
4. Repousse.
Repousse :
This a technique used to produce a 3D effect on your piece. A thin sheet of metal is
placed in a plastercine tray with the design shape. The design is then pressed out
using repousse tools and hammers leaving the finished design.
Silver Sheet.
Finished Necklace.
Making the
mold.
Tools Used.
Craftsman at
work
5. Etching.
Etching:
Here a material is covered in wax. The required design is then traced out using a
scriber to expose the metal. It is then placed in an acid bath where the acid eats out
or etches the design. Only the metal that is exposed is etched.
6. Engraving.
Engraving:
An engraving tool or scriber can be used to draw a pattern on the metal. An
electric engraver speeds up the process. A design is traced on the metal and it is then
engraved into the metal with hand tools or the electric engraver.
Engraving Patterns.
Engraving Tools.
7. Knurling.
Knurling is a method used to cut or roll a pattern onto a material such as plastic or
metal. This process is typically performed on a lathe. A knurled object may have a
diamond, criss-crossed, or straight line pattern. Knurling is often meant to provide a
better gripping surface than offered by the bare material, and knurled patterns are
often found on handles, knobs, and other similar items.
8. Hollowing/Planishing.
Hollowing.
This is usually involved in the production of a bowl. A circular piece of metal is beaten
into shape using a sand bag and wooden mallet. A former can be used instead of a
sandbag.
Planishing.
Here a piece of metal is placed on a planishing iron and hit with a planishing
hammer. The idea is to give a series of over lapping circles similar to a disco ball. This
again can be used to finish the bowl.
9. Plastic Dip Coating.
Dip coating is the application of some type of protective coating onto the finished
product. The main function of dip coating is to increase the useful life of the product,
although dip coating may also be used for decorative purposes as well. Products that
are routinely subjected to dip coating are found in both the home and in the
workplace.
The most common form
of dip coating involves covering metal
with plastic. A good example of this
type of dip coat application is the
simple wire hanger. In order to
protect clothing from the possible
development of rust on the bare metal
of the hanger, the hangers are coated
with a thin layer of plastic.
10. Enamelling.
ENAMELLING:
This is the craft of applying powdered glass onto a metal surface (usually copper) and
firing it in a kiln. Enamel melts around 800°C and becomes a glaze on cooling.
Enamelling is slow, painstaking work, requiring great skill and patience.
Examples of
enamelling
craft work.
