Experimenting with Silver Plating at Home

The last time I silver plated a mouthpiece it was stupid expensive. I found this stuff on Ebay that looked like a cheaper alternative...
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[@johnleonard2202]

"Mouth piece cost me $60NZD... cost me 13 pounds, which is about 5 or 6 kg"

[@thomaskristiansen2195]

John Leonard I fecking love the little jokes of his

[@johnmichael64]

I had to take a walk.

[@glaslackjxe3447]

the comedy is so on point I love it

[@JonatasMonte]

Best comment.

[@kjamison5951]

That little joke was nanoscopic.

[@tonywatson987]

I have used this very successfully - it works in about a minute. You have made the mistake of using Brasso, which leaves a protective film, effectively preventing the chemical action of the fluid. Degrease the object to be plated with acetone and #0000 wire wool, apply the fluid, rub gently for 30 seconds (it will turn black), rinse off and buff with a soft cloth.

[@TrojanHorse1959]

This, 1000 times this!

[@dawncawthra3519]

I agree, glad someone pointed this out!

[@tehminamuneeb7710]

So u think will it be good for plating discoloured silver plated jewellery

[@tonywatson987]

@@tehminamuneeb7710 That's exactly what it's designed for, but you must make sure there is no grease or contamination on the part. If you follow the instructions, it does work.

[@kennyr6357]

@@tonywatson987wait so do you apply this after your jewelry has tarnished or before it’s tarnished

[@my2centz196]

You should had cleaned it with alcohol instead of the brass polish. I'm pretty sure that stuff has oils in it as I also use it. Not sure that stuff works but if it's gonna you definitely need to clean it better.

[@2ndEndingVintage]

Trent - you made an error there...the surface needs to be completely CLEAN prior to application of a chemical silver plater. Brasso leaves a residue. You needed to clean with brasso, then remove the Brasso residue with something like naptha or a similar, non-oil based solvent. (I restore vintage instruments). The adherence of the solution was effected by the Brasso, mate.

[@shmoatheshmuck4533]

You should silver plate an older instrument, just to see if theres any different results

[@robertc9620]

Hey Shmoa The Shmuck EAT PANT

[@Theduckwebcomics]

I bought a bottle of this and it worked fine. I tried it on a VERY old brass rim from an antique pickelhaube helmet. It didn't seem to work at all at first so I kept repeating the process and finally it got more and more silver. The metal was initially brown. I also tried it on new shiny brass chinscales- modern reproductions. That worked just fine as well, but requires at least 2 or 3 applications to be nice and silvery. I'm not sure what you did wrong here, but the brasso might have messed things up.

[@cajunzman]

That's like putting polish on a car then trying to get paint to stick....

[@tedanderson5528]

I use a quality degreaser (after removing debris with highest grit scotchbrite - The even micro scratches help a lot). Then a quick wipe 91% iso. Sometimes a tack cloth. I use cotton wool - everything else does not seem to fill, under a well lit loupe you can instantly see the difference. I imagine a high quality micro fiber may work. If I’m in a hurry, I have a heat gun (about a foot away) clamped. Pointing near center of the piece. Sometimes I will warm the piece before I start. The exact ideal temperature is unknown (to me) just by trial. Rub rub rub - depending on my patience can be as long as about 3x longer then rubbed here. Not fun. Have tried rotary tool with cotton at low speed and that seems to work good too… but the same quality cotton on a 1” tool is hard to find (for me) and costly. Great for bits hard to reach though. Good luck! 👍

[@Daniel-looo]

Try this on raw brass or unlacquered finish instruments

[@bonemack]

I haven't used this particular product but I've used one in a white bottle that is great for restoring mouthpieces. No, it did not look like the pics but it definitely removes the issues of playing on raw brass. It doesn't do well with already polished material, also.

[@lukesnyder9700]

Have you tried Nickel plating? I think it would be more cost effective than silver, and there are plenty of electroplating kits available. I'm probably going to try it on old cornet mpcs, and if it works well, glockenspiel bars.

[@jessicawong08]

"Which is around 5 or 6 kg." I'm laughing so hard right now 😂😂

[@charissalillywhite7995]

Me too. 🤣

[@jordanrininger9212]

i am dying at this dude's wit holy crap

[@Quackadalias]

Lost it at the 5 to 6 kg

[@fmonky]

Try dunking an old worn mouthpiece in a glass of the stuff and letting it sit overnight, my guess is that you didn't let it sit long enough on the brass and then when you wiped it off it took most of the stuff away which meant it wasn't very effective. I've never used or heard of this though so I'm just guessing but I'd really like to see if this works better

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Because of the process the solution uses the plating will never be thicker than a few microns if that. Wears away very quickly unfortunately.

[@2degucitas]

The acids in the solution would damage the piece.

[@shotbytim9624]

Failing to clean off the Brasso's protective film was the failure point in this process.

[@vanreliant5584]

To deposit silver effectively in this way I have in the past when resilvering clock face chapter rings used a product called horosilv a two powder process. When finished you can polish to a beautiful shiny silver using silver polish, it seems to give a good deposit.

[@SipsNumberOneFan]

Can you do a video on replacing golden laqeur?

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Did you clean it good with acetone or something similar? Using polish to clean won't work as it leaves a residue on the metal.

[@flyhigh1768]

I think you should have sanded the shine off the brass first. Then maybe it would have worked a tad better. Possibly

[@loctite222ms]

If you sanded it you wouldn't have a bright shiny finish. You'd have at best a silver plated sanded surface.

[@2degucitas]

True. Some instruments get covered with lacquer after shining to keep the shine. Perhaps a careful bit of nail polish remover first?

[@auChevalierRed]

Actually, he should have washed it thoroughly first and then use paint alcohol to remove all traces, especially those from the Brasso as no plating, be it through a bottle or electroplating gives good result on greasy stuff. And definitely wear gloves, to prevent greasy marks from fingers. By the way, Brasso and the likes work by removing the top, more fragile surface of the metal they clean, thus to leave some of it on when you try to apply a not yet settled layer of metal is ensuring that you are removing most of the silver you are trying to apply each time your cloth or sponge rubs the remaining Brasso onto the silver liquid. I haven't used that particular product, but have used similar ones several times, and if you respect the no grease/dirt prerequisite, then those solutions do work for anything other than dishes you'd be washing in soapy water frequently, which would require regular reapplying of the silver solution, and not all of these are compatible with food use anyway. After that, I don't know what percentage of silver is to be found in his bottle, as the less silver in it, the greater the coats required to cover a non silver-plated item. You're supposed to pick the percentage of silver according to your needs rather than according to the price tag, especially if you want to save money in the end. High silver content for non-plated materials, even though those bottles will be more expensive, for then one or two light coats will be all you'll need. A solution with only a touch of silver in it will be fine if all you want is to refresh an already evenly silver-plated item, the plating on which is either thinning (but not lacking in places) or is of a silver colour you do not like for it looks cheap, such as the ones made with a high percentage of non-silver into their original plating, if those other metals give it a dull or a greenish, whitish tinge rather than a nice strong silver colour. Last, but not least, you are supposed to use only your finger tip on a thin piece of cloth dipped in the silver liquid, no cloth or sponge hanging out and soaking what you haven't yet rubbed onto your metal piece. That way you get much clearer results and way less waste.

[@maryann4622]

Thank you for making this video! The video with the comments are super helpful.

[@Lipjam]

Thanks for taking the time to share

[@gionatapasotto6259]

Hi, I've done dozens of experiments too; try white vinegar and silver nitrate, mix the contents and rub several times on the polished brass. It works well as it's a do-it-yourself method.

[@babyokes3808]

My band teacher had a silver plated trombone then the next day it was raw brass and I wondered how he did it. There were still signs of silver plating around though.

[@hugopetrus34]

What you need is silvering paste used by clockmakers to silver the chapter rings on antique brass clock dials

[@vwegert]

If it really had silver in it, you would have black fingers now. I'd recommend using gloves when you try stuff like this. Anyway, if it sounds too good to be true - it probably ain't.

[@plasticbleach4004]

if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't too good to be true

[@seansethi196]

How is this for touching up an old mirror?

[@Pdariean]

Why did you not clean the brasso off first. brasso leaves a thin coating when you wipe it clean. you should have used a solvent to clean before applying the silver.

[@bleach4138]

man i was expecting a little better, possibly try it on worn silver plating. maybe its not good to put it on just brass, may a little silver plating with this product may help make it look more silver again

[@bleach4138]

well it CAN be but that doesnt mean it will work as effectively, but who knows this stuff might be complete garbage

[@chrisconlon7970]

Such poor camera work the copper plate looks silver most of the time.

[@jesswilson6012]

I have to hear that intro song!! Where can I find it?!?

[@DoloresYeager-bv1us]

Thank you very much for sharing this experiment. I'm happy that I didn't waste my money!!

[@IanRoseman]

I bought the Nushine Silver Plating Solution and applied it to a piece of Jewelry, and it was completely underwhelming, actually changing the jewelry to a black/carbon finish making it worse than before. If I saw your video sooner, I would probably have not bought it.

[@davidwalker4386]

Used the stuff myself, no problem re-coating a worn brass fob. Problem was using brasso, and not using a degreaser after. Just my penny's worth.

[@deaultusername]

Stuff is probably crap but you need to clean thing with acetone or IPA after Brasso use. If literally has a form of grease as an ingredient which helps to repel stains in the future. Such as your Electroless plating solution. Long term Chemical electroplating is what you will have to do and can be done with a brush/wand so no big bath required.

[@danielnewton9526]

Currently using this stuff on a trumpet of mine. No... it's no substitute for electroplating. Smaller missing plating and heavy tarnish spots is were it works best. I've uploaded photos to amazon. Multiple applications on larger areas still only moderate results. Looking onto home electroplating kits now. Not a bad investment for maintainance.

[@MissSpaz]

Thank you! I have some earrings I want to fix because they're turning brassy, and although they aren't expensive earrings, I made them myself and I used some really small hourglasses in them that I can't find anywhere anymore. Good to know to just buy this instead of an electroplating kit.

[@samh488]

Can you please do a trumpet solo.

[@loganstroud7357]

Trent how do you recommend I polish my silver Bach Strad?

[@loctite222ms]

Best unless very tarnished is a silver polish cloth. Various silver polishes do work, but be prepared for the tedious task of getting all the polish residue off.

[@SimonSozzi7258]

The metal polish might have hurt. You're supposed to clean with alcohol to remove oil and grease, not just polish it. I've seen people use it successfully, maybe not that brand. Silver should stick if done right.

[@LifelongExperience]

It will not plate large areas successfully but is good for smaller areas and repairs to worn silver plating. DONT use Brasso... it's greasy! Use a solvent degreaser and dont rub too hard when applying. Dab it on liberally, allow to dry thoroughly and then buff very lightly with a soft cloth to bring back the shine.

[@sameester]

Keep this intro! It's great!

[@tutorialespartituras2195]

if you want a plated last longer mouthpiece i recommend GARIBALDI MOUTHPIECE i have one trombone mouthpiece 3 years old i only use toothpaste and water for clean up... silver plated still like new

[@A.C.Lawrence]

The brass is coated. You didn't prep the surface. You should revisit this video.

[@MyLove-uj8zi]

Worked well on my silver plated ring. Covered with clear coat.

[@shotbytim9624]

The manufacturer warns to clean off "lacquer or other brands of polish eg Brasso" before use.

[@margaretblurton3807]

I found the same, and seeing your video had made me feel less silly for trying it xxx

[@canadianbacon2711]

YAY BEST INTRO!!!

[@Yourmomma568]

I found the material safety data sheet for this product. the company was reluctant to include the ingrediants in any of their product descriptions. based on the ingredient list it is a mixture of acids and silver bonded in a salt compound. i guess what it does is break down the metal in the instrument and during the chemical reaction it bonds some of the silver to the other metal. so it doesn't really add a layer of silver, rather what it does is create a bunch of stable brass/silver compound molecules on the surface of the instrument. it seems to me that it's ability to create a silver appearence is limited to the suface of the material. it can't penetrate deeper into the material without disolving it and destroying the structure of the material and it can't create a material more silver than, i'd guess, half silver and half original material. so... silvery brass or silvery copper but not silver and never really better than that.

[@Anthony-vj1nu]

The stuff is an electroless plating solution, normally its used to plate nickel. Bismuth, Tin, Silver, and a few other metals can also be plated like this though it requires a complex bath of chemicals including the appropriate salts and several acids. No way a plastic bottle can hold those chemicals and not cost about $70 alone. Its not to good to be true, its just not the right ratios of chemical and inappropriate setup. This normally takes several baths of chemicals

[@Yourmomma568]

cool info my man. now this bottle did contain several acids and a silver salt compound, if i recall, why do you say the bottle would cost so much to contain the appropriate acids? are the correct acids and salts really that reactive? would be cool to know what acids are commonly used. i'll look up electroloses plating techniques to see if i can understand more about the process and if my assumptions about the mechanism were incorrect.

[@Anthony-vj1nu]

The chemicals in the bottle lower the electromagnetically of the brass to that lower than silver. IF i remember correctly you need nitric acid to act as a catalyst for the silver salt (silver nitrate). Several other chemicals including acids also react as catalysts and lower the brass electromagnetically, some of those chemicals are rather corrosive and would probably eat the bottle away, if it was glass the it wouldn't be a problem but the bottle is obviously plastic so it would house a rather conservative amount of the chemicals to perform the reaction not allowing it to work to its full potential.

[@mal2ksc]

Brush plating works so much better than this. I had good results with the kit from Caswell. The copper and gold kits worked great too. The only one that didn't work well for me was nickel.

[@loctite222ms]

Yes Caswell products are effective, if they'll ship to NZ try them.

[@jazzdein1]

It will also turn your fingers brown yellow for days because it does not tell you to use gloves. It does work. You were covering a very large area. For silverware and smaller items it is effective and it might take multiple coats. On Amazon out of like 4000 reviews it has 4 1/2 stars. !!wear gloves!!

[@tonzomerschoe1384]

Exactly what I experienced. Works a little bit.

[@cookedmarbles4888]

As someone in US, when you were talking about the cost of it and you said it cost about 13£ which is 5 or 6 kg, it messed me all up lol

[@davidbrooks9073]

Make sure object is clean of any other product with alcohol, use cotton wool soaked in the product, don't pour out on the surface, gently rub into surface, don't rub hard....you will see the difference for sure. I thought it might be snake oil after watching your video but it truly works

[@donaldjones8920]

You made a mistake by trying it on a shiny brass piece so that even if it put on a layer of silver the camera really can't tell the difference in the reflection.

[@nickmilen7688]

Maybe it is for chips in silver instruments

[@loctite222ms]

A relatively inexpensive brush plating system is effective.

[@osmildmay]

Useful Thank You

[@LolLol-wk3js]

I dunno

[@nicholastrombone9899]

Sorry to bother you sir I know you are busy but do you have any recommendations for a step up small shank mouthpiece from a 6 1/2 AL

[@louiegoldscheider1190]

Nicholas' Trombone it depends what you mean by step up, what would you like to change about your sound, flexibility, response etc ?

[@nicholastrombone9899]

Low range and flexibility also comfort

[@louiegoldscheider1190]

Nicholas' Trombone If you’re used to Bach’s and you don’t want a massive acclimation period a 5G would be good- a little deeper cup and wider cup diameter with a slightly flatter rim ?

[@nicholastrombone9899]

Hmm I will look thanks

[@Xzyum00]

I have switched from a 6 1/2 AL to a 5G and my tone just plain got better. Although my low range was slightly extended my high range got cut off a bit so I decided to use my 6 1/2 AL for jazz and marching band and the 5G for classical playing. So I'd definitely recommend a 5G

[@NilsAlbertsson]

You applied it completely wrong... Also; Do you want to develop an app?

[@dieselscience]

"Ask Jeeves?" WELL, if it's a jazz trumpet, you need to 'Ask JIVES!'

[@JonatasMonte]

It makes sense that it costs a lot to add silver to it, it's silver after all.

[@jpgrmom4034]

Saved me 30 bucks. Thanks!

[@quantumjoss]

My dreams of having a silver plated trumpet, along with money in my wallet have been crushed...

[@martenhumke-weber3213]

i8fluffy what? Ya don't need this stuff to have a silver plated trumpet.

[@conethegamer]

Marten Humke-Weber I do believe he is talking about the $100-$200 price jump when you ask for a silver plating. The Yamaha YTR 2330S is like $200 more than the normal brass Yamaha YTR 2330.

[@TheArtsByPaul]

It didnt do justice for me to see anything well. Should of just used a jewerly metal or silver ring then wipe it on a silver ring that turns bronze after water and wear over time. :D

[@a0cdhd]

Yes.... It works but only just. The silver coating is only microns thick and will wear off pretty quickly. Not worth the effort in my humble but inestimable opinion.

[@Dressagevids]

Looks like silver polish to me, thanks for trying

[@brendastolecki4755]

I wish you would have opened your blinds so that we could actually SEE.

[@LolLol-wk3js]

Hiiii

[@peterhoare4962]

You just saved me some money and disappointment. Thank you. x

[@623katjc]

Um. You didn't even follow the directions that you READ in the beginning of the video. I've used this product before. It DOES work.

[@LolLol-wk3js]

6th??

[@patricklandry8314]

You polished it but didn't clean it

[@patricklandry8314]

Had you cleaned it with acetone it may have worked.

[@zenithseeker7]

£13!=6kg

[@docdaneeka3424]

5.9kg but 6kg is sufficiently accurate for poetry

[@sebmaster36]

Bruh KZbin unsubscribed me from you

[@swwsociety1877]

Thank you, I was thinking about trying this, so came to KZbin to see what people were saying & your test was the best. You've saved me time & money, I won't be buying. Thanks again ❤

[@JayRH123]

Bro he made an error it perfectly fine I tried it myself

[@jordanvt]

Your lighting was sub-optimal. Too yellow to properly allow the contrast to show. Product didn't seem very impressive anyway. Nice test.

[@rtrt257]

Pounds, gg

[@MUDSWAT]

Should have kept your money in your pocket, #nocap

[@believer977]

lol ..;;; Not sure where he started and ended........very bad explanation.....

[@torchandbucket4214]

User fail

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Bro, REAL plating equipment is extremely inexpensive. Why did you waste my time with this quackery?

[@firlyn-3985]

Thanks for publishing the video on my birthday! Also, great content. I thought this was legit, but it didn't cost that much, so it's obviously a scam..

[@nutsykup6508]

Ah, second

[@famf6234]

Maybe, it is best to use the silver solution to a real trumpet! I can barely see due to light reflection! Do another video with the real brass! 👎

[@papabear4040]

Your lighting is terrible, especially with the reflection of the blinds. 😟

[@RajuSharma-rf2be]

Very bad camera work

[@michaelemail6042]

Well done mate...another scam exposed..we need more people like you..thanks

[@squirreltrumpet8128]

Oh first comment!!! ^~^

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

Looks like you were scammed, thanks for loosing your money so I won’t

[@LifelongExperience]

It will not plate large areas successfully but is good for smaller areas and repairs to worn silver plating. DONT use Brasso... it's greasy! Use a solvent degreaser and dont rub too hard when applying. Dab it on, allow to dry and then buff very lightly to bring back the shine.you

[@michaelolson4372]

You just wasted my time 😒