How do you clean flux residue after soldering stained glass?

After soldering it is VERY important to neutralize and remove all flux residue from your soldering. CJ's Flux Removeris designed specifically to do this. Apply some CJ's, and using a soft to medium bristle brush or a clean soft rag scrub the project thoroughly. Flush with lots of clean water to rinse away any residue.

People also ask, how do you remove oxidation from stained glass?

Try the following on your oxidised stained glass copper foil and see the magic for yourself:

mix a quarter cup of white vinegar and a quarter teaspoon of table salt until the salt dissolves.
dip the pieces of foiled glass into the mixture and swirl it around for about 30 seconds.
rinse the pieces with water and dry them.

Additionally, can you use Windex on stained glass? Do not clean stained glass with an abrasive material as it will remove or scratch the patina on the metal. Never use vinegar, ammonia (e.g., windex) or any acid-based cleanser, as these can destroy the came or solder that is holding the piece together.

In respect to this, how do you remove flux from skin?

For homemade cleaner, try vintager or a combo of baking soda and vintager then brush on with an old brush. But I would recommend you go and buy a flux remover solution. You really need to remove the flux because it will eat away you clothes ( I damaged a very nice top because of that) and it's hard on your skin too.

Can you solder after patina?

Soldering Over Patina. You can, but it's messy. The patina makes dirty bits in the solder which are difficult to get rid of. It's easier to rub the patina off with fine steel or bronze wool first.

29 Related Question Answers Found

How do you remove white mold from stained glass?

Using baking soda and dish soap is an alternative for commercial flux removers. First, sprinkle the piece with baking soda, then apply a small amount of dish soap to the piece. With a soft, damp scrub brush use a circular motion to scrub the piece. Rinse with water and then do the other side.

Does copper foil go bad?

The other thing with foil is that the adhesive coating can lose some or all of its stickiness. Never leave it in a hot car. Copper foil packages do not have an expiration date.

How do you clean copper foil?

Scrub the affected areas of foil in circular motions using a soft-bristled toothbrush until you reveal the copper's original shine. If the foil is thin, rub slowly and carefully to avoid tearing it. Rinse the vinegar mixture off the copper with clean water. Thoroughly dry the copper with a towel.

Can you patina lead come?

Lead Plate by Novacan is a copper patina for lead came. It leaves an antique copper finish. You can touch them up with black patina for solder and wipe it off right away. That will dull down the shiny solder joints.

Can you polish solder?

Cleaning Tutorial

If you don't have access to water you can use Flux remover Kwik-Cleaner . It works really well and helps prevent mouldy patina. Next you have to polish the solder. Yes, you did read that correctly; polish first before patina.

How do you use Novacan black patina?

Novacan Black Patina. To use, first clean the metal to remove any oils or oxidation, then use a cotton swab to apply the full-strength patina. Use a polishing cloth, polishing paper, or 0000 steel wool to lightene the high points of your metal.

How do you remove lead from stained glass?

Mix a lot of distilled water with a little dish soap in the bowl. Then soak the cloth in it for a couple seconds, wringing it out as you pull it out of the bowl. Ideally, you want to have a damp– not wet– cloth for cleaning the surface of your stained glass window(s).

How do you make copper patina stained glass?

So here are a couple of tricks we use at Stained Glass Express to get that professional look for copper patina.

After soldering, clean your piece with patina and flux remover.
When the piece is dry, mix a solution of 3 parts distilled water and 1 part ammonia.
Dry the piece with a paper towel.

How do you make lead black?

Apply a small amount of polish to the brush, then work vigorously over the lead (taking care to avoid pressing down - which may crack the glass). Work until you have cleaned the polish from the glass and the lead is as black as you desire. It is essential to let the polish dry onto the lead otherwise it will rub off.

How dangerous is flux?

Exposure to solder fumes from resin or colophony-based solder flux can lead to a multitude of health hazards: Occupational asthma – one of the many risks caused by flux gases; coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain are among the symptoms of asthma.

Is flux toxic?

Therefore, solder that contains lead is considered to be toxic. In addition, using flux containing rosin (also called colophony) produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or make existing asthmatic conditions worsen. The fumes can also cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.

What can I use to clean my solder flux?

On their website, MG Chemicals lists ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, and ethyl acetate as the components of their particular flux remover. Nothing surprising, but they've put together a good chemical balance for aggressively cleaning the flux without the risk of eating plastics like the soldermask and IC packages.

Is soldering bad for your health?

Soldering with lead (or other metals used in soldering) can produce dust and fumes that are hazardous. In addition, using flux containing rosin produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or worsen existing asthmatic conditions; as well as cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.

Do you need to clean rosin flux?

Most Solders use a Rosin type flux. This can be removed with Acetone and some other solvents. But be careful, Acetone is Flammable and is definately also not good to Breathe. This Rosin flux will NOT be removed with water.

What are some of the chemicals that can be found in flux smoke?

They include:

Ammonium chloride.
Rosin.
Hydrochloric acid.
Zinc chloride.

Is leaded stained glass safe?

Lead in stained glass. Lead is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age. It is especially harmful to children, pregnant women and unborn babies. Unless handled carefully, lead cames and solders used in stained glass and lead lighting can be a health hazard if lead dust is swallowed or inhaled.

How do you clean old leaded glass?

Wash it with a solution of warm water and a neutral-pH soap. Apply it with a soft rag. Do not use a commercial window cleaner on leaded glass because these solutions usually contain ammonia, which can cause a chemical reaction with the cames or filler compound.