WORKING WITH ARGENTIUM™ SILVER
ARGENTIUM DISCOLORATION

ARGENTIUM™ STERLING SILVER ~ PREVENTING DISCOLORATION

The following information should be helpful in preventing discoloration in Argentium Sterling Silver.

Use a dedicated polishing such as the Goddard’s cloth.
Use a dedicated abrasive wheel.
Rake your wheels when switching from other metals to Argentium.
Plating and cleaning solutions may contain strong chemicals that will remove the protective germanium oxide film from the surface.
Both sulfuric and nitric acid may dissolve germanium.
Recommend using a mild pickling agent.
If strong acids are required, reduce the time of exposure and acid concentration to the lowest level possible.
Deionized water may stain due to the lower pH factor. To prevent these water stains, immediately dry Argentium and/or avoid deionized water altogether.
Heating applied to Argentium in a torch/air atmosphere improves tarnish resistance.
The more heating cycles applied, the better the tarnish resistance.

For Castings

The best resistance to discoloration will be obtained as follows:

After devesting, anneal in air 1050-1150°F (566-621°C) for 30 min. to an hour and water quench after the orange glow dissipates.
Clean the castings (i.e. using pickle or sandblast)
Repeat the annealing step #1, the casting should take on a silver-grey luster.

If you continue to encounter discoloration problems, do not hesitate to contact G&S Metals.

ARGENTIUM SILVER IN STOCK AND READY FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING !!

If you have any further questions about Argentium Silver, please do not hesitate to contact us at gs@gsgold.com

Phone: 1-800-852-3860
+1.734-662-9344
Fax: +1.734-662-6881
Email: gs@gsgold.com

G&S Metals, Inc.