Coronavirus Update: We are shipping full speed, and our Showroom is open!... (more info) For tips, extra details, and related products, click item images or names.
Dirty Money Clip Tutorial
Created by: Rita Hutchinson
Designer Tips
Clean both parts with alcohol and allow to dry. Apply flux to key points on the back of the scarab, and then apply small dots of solder to these points using soldering iron.
Add flux to the flat side of the money clip. Set money clip in pumice, arranging so that the top of the clip is level. Set the scarab on top of the clip in desired location.
Using butane torch, concentrate the flame on the ends and edges of the clip. You want the clip to heat up to allow the solder to flow. Briefly apply flame to the scarab. You will be able to see the solder flow and the scarab will settle down to the surface of the clip.
Allow joined piece to cool.
Continued Below...
Designer Tips Continued
Place soldered clip in hot pickling solution to remove firescale. The soldering process usually brings some of the copper to the surface of the brass, so the piece will appear a bit reddish, even after cleaning. Remove from pickle once most of the discoloration has cleared. Rinse in cool water.
Apply Novacan patina to finished piece. The Novacan will blacken both the brass and any solder which might be showing. If you apply with a Q-Tip, you can control where you darken. If you dip the piece, you will darken it all (back, front, inside and outside).
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Polish as desired with ultra polishing pad. Do not allow pad to get wet, or it will be ineffective.
Suggested Supplies
1 each #30-352-B Blank Brass Money Clip, 1.1x2"
1 each #33-109-11-0 Vintaj Natural Brass Pendant, Scarab, 32x20mm
1 each #69-068 Choice Soft Solder, Tin-Based Lead-Free
1 each #69-052 Flux, Stay-Clean Liquid - 4 oz
Tools
#69-417 Soldering Iron, Hakko, 60W
#69-389 Ranger Non-Stick Craft Sheet
#69-266 EURO TOOL Soldering Pan with 3rd Hand
#69-357 Little Dipper Pickle Pot
#69-180 Tool, Butane Micro Torch
#69-159 Nature's Touch Citric Acid Pickle
#69-260 EURO TOOL Tweezers, Copper, 9"
#63-528 EURO TOOL Polishing Pads, Ultra, 2x2"
#86-310 Novacan Black Patina
Optional: #86-592 Nikolas Clear Spray Lacquer - 13 oz.
Other Supplies
Paint Brush
Paper Towels
Q-Tips
Rubbing Alcohol
For additional colors and sizes, or similar items, click into the "Related Products" tab of any item.
