Studio method for preparing the surfaces of noble metals prior to anodizing. 

At the peak of my career as a jewelry designer work from my studio was shown and sold from boutiques in Manhattan, two-hundred and fifty-six retailers in the United States (outside of Manhattan which is in some ways a country unto itself), Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

If you haven’t used acids before, have limited experience with chemistry, are clumsy, and/or do not have adequate safety gear, do

N O T

 

attempt this procedure. You will be creating and using Aqua Regia which will dissolve Gold: delicate, irreplaceable tissues of the eyes, lungs, sinus, skin, and even bone will be burned by the fumes and spattered drops of this compound. DO NOT begin to attempt to use this procedure unless you are certain that you have taken every preparation for safe handling and disposal of chemicals created during this procedure.

I cannot accept any responsibility for the use or misuse of the communication of this studio process.

Irreversible damage may occur to your lungs, sinuses, eyes, and skin in a moment from airborne acid clouds (fuming) as well as spatters, drips, and pours.

Use at your own risk.

1) Select material. I like to work with Tantalum for color and malleability. Titanium is stiffer and creates less refractive colors than Tantalum or Niobium.

2) Sandblast to clean surface

3) Solvent wipe or soak/agitate material

4) Air dry material/parts

In a hooded area, negative ventilation, outside with fans blowing, proper lighting, wearing a respirator, and all necessary safety equipment:

5) Mix solution of 50% Nitric and 50% hydrochloric acid |(HNO3 (aq) + 3 HCl (aq) | into a glass container. Do not splatter.
Note: Make certain to have baking soda as a neutralizing agent (1 pound per four liquid ounces of acid), a distilled water tank/bath, and running water available.

6) Slowly immerse material. *** Percolation will occur!!! ***

7) Etch surfaces until suitable finish.

8) Rinse parts in distilled water

9) Add baking soda to distilled water bath **** Percolation will occur **** until acid is neutralized.

10) Rinse parts in running water

11) Neutralize Aqua Regia or save other applications.

12) Anodize material sooner than later

Peter Terezakis
ITP, Tisch School of the Arts
New York City

© Peter Terezakis 2012