Posted by Colleen on December 29, 2002 at 21:31:11:
In Reply to: Re: RESIDUE posted by Gary Dodge on November 04, 2002 at 19:08:41:
:Hi Susan,
I read about your problem about residue. I have had that happen too, or problems with oxidation. What I do is use a fine weight steel wool pad and buff it up. This will shine it up and will also help it take patina better. Hope this works.
Colleen
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.