stripping silver

gus · Veteran Member Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 452

I have a Strad that the silver is horrible.

Here in Argentina we do not have a technician who does a reasonable work in silverplating,
but he does a very good work in lacquering.

I am thinking to do the work. What do you think?.

And a last question, how do you think that the stripping should be done ( Chemical, machine?)

Thanks for your patience.

Gus.

Jon Arnold · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Jan 2002 Posts: 2026

I would love to do this myself, but through much consideration and research, I have concluded that you must have a qualified person do this. It takes toxic chemicals and would be dangerous to do at home. Also, you would have to dispose of the chemicals after removal which is very difficult.

_Don Herman · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:33 am Post subject:

Warning: This is based on a foggy memory of past posts and college chemistry...

Chemical stripping of silver plate involves some pretty dangerous chemicals and so is best left to pros. Even the electrochemical process is a bit ugly. And, there's disposal to worry about.

Mechanical stripping can wear away too much metal, and it's very difficult to get all the silver off. Not to mention all the buffing and such needed to shine it up, which can cause more wear (damage).

I know it seems a pain, and expensive, but I'd hook up with somebody who can get it replated even if it involves shipping overseas. Silver plating can be a pain, too, but surely there's somebody around there who can do it...

FWIWFM - Don
_________________
Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

Andy Cooper · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:12 am Post subject:

Weril's musical instrument plant is in Franco da Rocha-SP Brazil. Perhaps they do their own plating work (and would plate an instrument other than their own) or could give you the name of their plating company. It would obviously be easier than sending it to Anderson Plating Co. in the USA.

gus · Veteran Member Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 452

Yes,

I never intended to do it by myself but to
know which is the best method to do it,
I think that you mentioned already.

Andy, I thought on Weril -yes they do their own plating-, and I know a guy in Brazil who worked for them who does
the job wonderfully, but I can't find the address (stupid of me¡¡¡). THe costs
are lower than those of Anderson (much lower¡¡¡).

I think I'll keep my search.

Gus

[ This Message was edited by: gus on 2004-04-22 14:20 ]

[ This Message was edited by: gus on 2004-04-22 14:22 ]

Jon Arnold · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Jan 2002 Posts: 2026

Good luck in your search Gus.