Posted by Gary Dodge on November 04, 2002 at 19:08:41:
In Reply to: RESIDUE posted by Susan Murphy on November 04, 2002 at 07:59:03:
Hi Susan,
The brand of solder you use can have a lot to do with the dull patches. Personally I use only Canfield solder and never have that problem. Pretty much any other solder I've tried did however cause dull patches. I work primarily with the 50/50 but the 60/40 comes out nice too.
Another thing that can cause dull patches is the flux. I use Canfield soldermate 11. It gives the shiniest finish, doesn't dry up when you are working and washes off with water.
GaryD
: Sometimes my lead or unleaded solder has a dull residue, appearing gray instead of that nice shiny look. Driving me nuts! Even after I clean & polish, that part is never as shiny as the sections that came out fine right after soldering. These are on pieces that I do not want to patina, so it matters. Any help would be appreciated. I use Kem-O-Pro finishing compound, it's good, but doesn't solve the problem. I'd like to eliminate it from the start, not try to correct it. Thanks so much.