Deplating silver from brass

[fblevins]

I noticed that Caswell has both brush and immersion systems for deplating chrome pieces, but nothing on deplating silver from brass (that I have been able to find, that is). Is there a product out there that can do this job? I've been considering doing it by hand with a buffing machine and black rouge, but the projects I'm wanting to do are antique trumpets. Many of these have very ornate engravings around the bell area and I do not want to fade them by machine buffing.

Anyone?

[ashcroft01]

fblevins,

I have been racking my brain on this one as well.

I do a lot of silver restoration and run into the occasional need to de-silver an entire piece before proceeding to the re-silvering process.

Through my experiences, I have been able to successfully remove the old, thin silver plate with a machine buffer using light pressure on a loose cotton wheel with brown Tripoli rouge. I have not encountered any instances where the fine details in the carvings or engravings were obscured or diminished by using mechanical means. To get inside of the recesses, I have had good luck by using a soft brass bristled wheel on a variable speed Rotary Tool. It is great for cleaning out the detail work and will not dig into the underlying brass.
I hope that this helps you.

Best of luck,
Curtis

[lcaswell]

A 50 percent nitric acid and water solution heated to 120 degrees F should remove the silver. Dip for 10 seconds rinse immediately with water repeat until the silver is removed. It will take brass off if left on too long.

CAUTION - NITRIC ACID IS VERY NASTY STUFF.

[ashcroft01]

Good point Mr. Caswell,

I should have remembered that from my past experiences with Gold recovery and refining.

Nitric Acid is very nasty, and is also fairly hard to come by in small quantities.

I used to make the Aqua-Regia Solutions to recover gold from printed circuit cards and such, then neutralize the acid and precipitate the gold out.

I guess if one was doing a lot of Silver restorations, the same process could work to recover the Silver that has dissolved into the Nitric Acid solution.

Thank you for your input.

Curtis

[bhhodges]

i have used the nickel stripper sold here and it works premo good but you still have too buff the brass in my case is what it was,i dont know why it wouldnt work on removing silver,ill check and see.

Bill

[jandjwoodwinds]

4 oz of potassium nitrate/1 gallon battery acid with a baking soda/D.I. water rinse will remove silver plate @room temp.

HIS,
Doc
www.JandJWoodwinds.com