WHAT IS PICKLE?

[@midnightsilvercrafters]

I subscribed ! This is the best jewelry making channel on youtube!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thanks a million! I appreciate your kind comments! Have a good one. Greg Greenwood

[@souljasickcain26]

Great video as always. There's no jewelry channel that explains it with that many detail.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Wow, thank you Christian, I appreciate your comments. Greg Greenwood

[@greyjohnson1097]

That is such a great idea with the ceramic piece in the bottom of the pot, it's such a pain to chase a piece around trying to pick it up!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Grey, You are correct. LOL been there, done that!! Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@joshuakoehn3629]

Thank you Greg Greenwood; very cool.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello joshuakoehn, Thank you, You are more than welcome. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@buckwildebeest398]

obviously, you're incredibly helpful. thanks a bunch, bud.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Buck, Glad to help. You are more than welcome. Greg Greenwood

[@emmadoingstuff]

i learned so much from this channel i cant believe how much i learned thank you!!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello sickmermaid, I am very happy you are learning for my channel. If you have any questions in the future, please let me know. thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@rbrown2895]

I used to do quite a bit of small jewelry projects then got away from it, but now that I'm retired I want to get it going again. I still have most all of my equipment. Your videos are a great refresher for me! Thanks!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sandlapper, I am glad to hear you are getting going again. Glad I can help you. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@fuelban]

Again thank you for an informative explanation... Thom in Scotland.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Thom, Thank you again. I really appreciate it. Greg Greenwood

[@howtorepairpendulumclocks-live]

Great video. Love the pace and tone.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello How to, Thank you for your kind comments. Great to see you repairing clocks. Interesting! Greg Greenwood

[@michellerichmond6971]

Love Your videos, just starting out so its GREAT to be able to look back at your videos a lot, lol! Appreciate all that you are doing! Thanks a lot, from Michigan...Michelle

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Michelle, Very exciting that you are just starting out in jewelry making. It is a great field and you are going to enjoy all the different techniques. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. I am here to help. Greg Greenwood

[@yvonnemairose6100]

Love your channel! What can I do if my brand new sparex doesn't seem to be working. It is taking ages to clean my pieces 😢

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Yvonne, Thanks for your question. Sparex works best when it is warm/hot. Put your mixed Sparex into an old "crock pot" and turn on low heat or put in glass or "corning ware" pan on a hot plate and heat. You will find that when it is warmed, the Sparex will work great. Please let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Nick-ye5kk]

Excellent video

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Nick, Thank you very much. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@mariexichen1136]

Great tips about the ceramic tile chip and PVC cap at the bottom of the pickle pot! I've been using coffee filters, but your methods don't require throwing stuff away. I've been looking at ways of making my studio more environmentally friendly, and will definitely use your ideas. I'm off to the garage to look for a an old PVC cap and will use copper wire for the handle. 😊

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Marie, Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate it. We definitely want to be environmentally friendly. Good luck, have fun, and if you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@aidagutierrez1799]

me encantan tus videos..gracias

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hola Aida, muchas gracias. Me alegra que te gusten mis videos. Sigue mirando. Greg Greenwood

[@juliehaffenden6254]

Thanks Greg for another informative video. Can you please give your advice on the best way to dispose of pickle? Many thanks again.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Julie, I have to advise you to check with your local waste management company to see what their policies are and follow those recommendations. Not all areas are the same. There are two issues with pickle solution: 1. Acid ( Sodium Bisulfate) This is a mild acid and in my opinion should be neutralized before any disposal. 2. The metals that are in the used pickle. The two disposal methods that I have seen are only suggestions for you. Please check with your local waste management company first. 1.) Neutralize the used pickle with baking soda, dilute the pickle in a ratio of 20 to 1 with water. This mixture can be put into the sewer drain because it is a very dilute acid mixture. 2.) Neutralize the used pickle with baking soda, put in a plastic bucket and let evaporate outside until only powder is left and this amount of "metal" can be put in the regular garbage. Again, I must suggest that you check with local waste management company. We don't want to hurt the environment! Thank you for your comments and your concern. Greg Greenwood

[@juliehaffenden6254]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you Greg. Sound advice as always and I very much appreciate your support and timely response.

[@greggreenwood4628]

My pleasure. Greg Greenwood

[@donobototron]

made understanding pickle easy. thanks

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello D&L. Glad to hear that. Thank you. Greg Greenwood

[@juanmaselli3887]

Excellent videos.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Glad you like them! Greg Greenwood

[@joanacardoso1431]

Hello Dear Greg! I Love your videos! Can you please advice me how to get rid of the copper oxidation on a soldered brass piece after pickle? Thank you

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Joana, Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. As for your copper oxidation... Copper oxidation will be dark gray or black on brass after soldering. This can be removed by leaving in the pickle for a longer period of time. When it is done or removed, a copper color will remain. This is pure copper. You can then remove this copper by simply polishing and buffing. I hope this answers your question. I am here to help. Thanks for watching and subscribing. Greg Greenwood

[@JayDub_143]

Wonderful video as always. I have looked for a video on safe ways to dispose of used pickle can you please discuss this with us in an upcoming video. I think it would be helpful to SO many. As always thank you for sharing your time and talent Mr. Greenwood. ❤🙏❤

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello JaNetNMellisaWise, Thank you for your comments. I have to advise you to check with your local waste management company to see what their policies are and follow those recommendations. Not all areas are the same. There are two issues with pickle solution: 1. Acid ( Sodium Bisulfate) This is a mild acid and in my opinion should be neutralized before any disposal. 2. The metals that are in the used pickle. The two disposal methods that I have seen are only suggestions for you. Please check with your local waste management company first. 1.) Neutralize the used pickle with baking soda, dilute the pickle in a ratio of 20 to 1 with water. This mixture can be put into the sewer drain because it is a very dilute acid mixture. 2.) Neutralize the used pickle with baking soda, put in a plastic bucket and let evaporate outside until only powder is left and this amount of "metal" can be put in the regular garbage. Again, I must suggest that you check with local waste management company. We don't want to hurt the environment! Thank you for your comments and your concern. Greg Greenwood

[@JayDub_143]

@@greggreenwood4628 Wonderful!!! Thank you so much I will contact our local waste management today to check the guidelines. I was thinking of mixing it with baking soda and putting into a bucket of kitty litter and let it evaporate but as you said it is best to check with the local authorities. I want to ensure I am safe in the studio and maintaining the safety of the environment. Again thank you so much for your time!!! Cant wait til the next one😁🙏❤

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you, you are on the correct track. Keep it up. Greg Greenwood

[@themdg]

Thanks! Super helpful.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Matt, Glad I can help. Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@LryuzakiLN]

Could you please explain the Citric Acid method? Like what's the ratio to mix? Should be used with warm/normal water? Etc.... Please!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sasuke, Citric acid is a good acid to use for your pickle to remove oxides from sterling silver. Mix approx. 1 cup of water to 1 oz. of citric acid. The citric acid should be heated in a crook pot to work the best. You can use a pyrex bowl and a hot plate at very low heat. When the citric acid is warm, your silver should have all the oxides from soldering removed in 2 to 4 minutes. If if is not removing them in that amount of time, add some more citric acid. You will not over do the acid. It is a safe acid. Thanks for your question and good luck. Greg Greenwood

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Kushalakarmi, You are more than welcome. I am very glad to help. Keep watching!! Greg Greenwood

[@LryuzakiLN]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you! It's all clear now! Subscribed :)

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sasuke, Very good! Thank you for subscribing. Greg Greenwood

[@cut-zonevideos406]

Hey! Its me again! I am now on the soldering stage of my cuban link chain. I decided to go along soldering every second link on the chain, because the neighboring links get a gross layer of oxide on them when I solder the link directly next to it. My plan was to go along skipping a few links each time, soldering the ones that remained clean, then pickle the whole chain and go back and solder the links I skipped. I am using 10 gauge Nickle-Silver wire for my links, and I left it in the pickle pot for about and hour and a half after the first round of soldering, but there still was a bit of pink and grey/black residue on it. Will this remaining oxide have an effect on the strength of my next set of solder joints? Should I continue to pickle it for longer until all of the discoloration is gone? What is a safe amount of time to leave Nickle-Silver in the pot for? Thanks so much for taking the time to read my comment. If you have any questions about how I am doing it or need further clarification on anything please ask! 😄

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Peter, Sounds like you are moving forward. Good. You can avoid some of the oxidation on the next links by fluxing them also. This will help prevent the oxidation. Leave the metal in the pickle for the shortest amount of time. If you leave the metal in the pickle for a long period, (remember the pickle is an acid) the pickle will start eating at the surface of the metal and make it pitted. The discoloring is not a problem and will not affect the strength of the next solder joint. Talk to you soon. Greg Greenwood

[@JohnnyCrambo]

Do you absolutely need a pickle pot? For soldering on bails to fine silver. Is there any alternative? Some type of cleaning solution

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello J Bird, No, you do not need a warm pickle pot. You can use Citric Acid cold, but it will take longer to clean the oxides. Safe and easy. Thanks for your question. Greg Greenwood

[@RobinEliseGardner]

Hi, Greg! Thank you for these videos- they (and you) are amazing! Question that has me stumped: I make a lot of jewelry with pearls/gemstones: how can I pickle after soldering on these pieces without ruining the stones? I’ve always been told I can’t submerge pearls in, well, anything! Help?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Robin, Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it!! In general, soldering is done prior to you setting the stones or pearls. As you know, heat can ruin a stone, so avoid soldering with stones in place. Remove them, solder, then re-set the stones. As for pickling, some stones can take a pickle or cleaning solution, others cannot. Check to see if the stone can take a cleaning or pickling before you submerge. I have ruined stones by being lazy and not checking, gone ahead and put in ultrasonic cleaner and then kicked myself for not checking. As for the pearls, I don't have a lot of experience with pearls, so I am not an expert. But, pearls can be very sensitive, even to a cleaning. Mild soap and water are the best ways to clean pearls. Still use caution. Sorry I cannot give you a silver bullet answer, but I hope I have helped a little. Good Luck. Ask questions anytime!! Greg Greenwood

[@dawnleece9761]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!! I have learned a lot watching your videos. I am new to this craft and have never been in school for it. The knowledge I have gained has all been on KZbin. I use a small crockpot for my pickle. I have the copper tongs. When I first made my pickle, I could not find on the package how much pickle and water to use. That is one issue. I am not sure if I have put too much in. I used 1/2 of a 10 oz bag of the Sparex No.2 to 4 cups of water. It seems to work fine in that combination. I have noticed that sometimes after it has sat cold for a few days, there will be a thin brown colored film floating on top of it. I use the copper tongs to put in and take out my projects. I am not sure if my pickle is bad. Do you have any idea of what is going on and can you help me solve this puzzle?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Dawn, You are more than welcome. Glad you are learning from my videos. The brown film on the pickle is probably dirt and grease from you pieces of metal and flux. Don't worry about it, just skim it off the top and continue to pickle. When your pickle amount has evaporated and is low, just add water. I hope this has helped you. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@dawnleece9761]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you for answering so quickly. I figured that it was something simple since my items are clean when I take them out. Keep on posting your videos. I will keep watching.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Dawn, Thank you for watching!! Greg Greenwood

[@juanmaselli3887]

I just found you. Im complete.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Juan, I am happy that you found my channel. Glad to be here for you. Greg Greenwood

[@janmcmullan468]

can i use aluim pot for pickle pot or does it have to be ceramic or glass please as their had to get here in australia

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Jan, For pickle, which is an acid, you should use only glass or ceramic. A copper pan is acceptable but very expensive. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@hellboundrubber4448]

Is Liver of Sulphur the opposite chemical reaction?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello hellboundrubber, Liver of Sulphur is the opposite of pickling. It causes oxides on the metal. Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@premierflutes9254]

Great video Greg thanks, I have subscribed. Can I use this pickling method with a weaker solution, to clean up heavy tarnish on silver plating? (I often clean up silver plated flutes).

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello premierflutes, Thank you for your comments and subscribing. I appreciate it. I would not use the pickling solution to clean flutes. It is normally hot to work best and there maybe some residual acid left in the cracks of the flute. I would also be concerned about the pads getting wet. Do you take the flutes apart to clean or clean without taking apart? Check out my video "Low Tech Polishing Techniques". They may be better for your needs. Thanks again and keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@premierflutes9254]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thanks for the quick reply Greg, an taking the time. I remove the keys, so it would just be the hollow body of the flute that would be pickled. I've bought a 30L ultrasonic cleaner, so I could put it through that afterwards, to remove any residual acid. Already watched your polishing video, very useful, especially the polish on string!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello premierflutes, You might want to give it a try on a student grade flute. The pickle will work best if it is hot. Also, you might want to use citric acid for the pickle solution. Please let me know how it goes. Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@redeyestones3738]

Ppl always say that silver doesn't need to be pickled longer than a few minutes, and that if it's left in too long, it can blacken the silver. I use Sparex. And it doesn't seem to matter how concentrated my solution is, and I always use it in a crock pot on low which is roughly 200 degrees. But I leave my pieces in there sometimes for a couple hours, and they still will have black, and pink on em. What am I doing wrong?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Red, The less time in the pickle, the BETTER. Remember, the pickle is an acid and will be slowly "eating" away at the metal and oxides. After the pickle has removed the copper oxide from the surface (only taking a few minutes when the pickle is warm) , it will continue down to the fire scale layer. Fire scale is thick and will show dark when exposed. The pickle will "eat" the metal and make it rough. The pink is only some kind of "contamination dirt". If you leave the piece in the acid too long, take it out and brass brush it and heat it up will the torch and put back into the pickle. Generally, this will help. I hope this will help you. Let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@redeyestones3738]

@@greggreenwood4628 thanks

[@gustiradensunraden3914]

Hello sir, can i use kitchen vinegar as pickle . Thks.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Gustiraden, Yes you can. It does work better when it is warm. Thank you for asking. I am here to help. Greg Greenwood

[@alanna.dillon]

What is the protocol for disposing of used pickle?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Alanna, Putting baking soda into the old pickle will neutralize the acid. Then you can put down the drain with plenty of water. Check out my video "What is Pickle". Thank you very much for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@irvingcortez1399]

​@greggreenwood4628 I been watching different videos on making coin rings, I am planning to do this hobby, I have learned a lot this past week, I discovered your video today and you really have the knowledge of teaching, everything you explained was clear. More teachers like you is what this world needs. May I asked you? The US coins I am planning to use are 90 and 40 % silver and new clad coins. ¿do I use the Sparex the same for all theses coins?, or for the 40% silver and clad coins I use something else? And if it is a cooper coin ¿do I use Sparex or something else? Forgive me for bothering you with these questions, I am new to all this and have been absorbing all info I can this past week before starting this hobby. I wish you well thank you.

[@racket136]

I live in India and there is no sparex available here. What is an alternative that I can use?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Amon, You can use vinegar or citric acid ( used for canning food). These are mild acids and will work for you. The best of luck to you. Greg Greenwood

[@JustME-ft4di]

Hi, Do you happen to know how to remove oxides & borax from mixed metal pieces? I presume I can’t put it in the pickle. Also how do I remove oxides & borax from a chain that has gemstones incorporated into it. I can’t put the stones in the pickle… Thanks!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello JustME, Thanks for your questions. It all depends on the mixed metals that are in your piece. I am assuming that you have soldered them if you have borax on them. If none of the metals are ferrous metals (Ones that have iron in them/ steel), you can go ahead and put into the pickle. If there is a ferrous metal on the piece, then you can mix up some salt, baking soda and boiling water. Put piece into the solution until it is clean. For the silver chain, Put aluminum foil with the shiny side up into a bowl to line the bowl. Put in couple table spoons of salt and a couple of baking soda. Pour in the boiling water and put the chain into the solution. Leave until clean. In general, the borax flux can be removed by placing into boiling water. Easy and neat way to remove borax flux. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Greg Greenwood

[@JustME-ft4di]

Thank you so much for your reply. When I put mixed copper and silver pieces in my citric acid pickle it all comes out coated as copper. I will try the salt etc. The stones are fixed inside fused silver chain links. Will pop one in boiling water and see if it survives… Thanks again!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello JustME,, If the metal is coming out copper plated then it must have some iron in the pieces. Yes, try the salt and the boiling water and let me know. Thanks for the input. Greg Greenwood

[@onelove762]

hi. Do i first turn on the pickle pot with the pickle solution inside it BEFORE I place my earring/piece of jewellery? If i do, how long and what temperature do i turn it on? also do i mix the pickle and water inside the pot or in another container?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Art Lover, You should have your pickle solution hot before you put your piece in the pickle. You can mix the pickle in the pot or in another container. I find it easy to mix in the pot. The temperature should be about hot tea temp. This temp can vary. The pickle just works better when it is warm to hot. You will know when it is done pickling your piece. It will have the oxides removed and be white color. Thanks for your question. Greg Greenwood

[@onelove762]

@@greggreenwood4628 thank you!

[@greggreenwood4628]

You are very welcome. Greg Greenwood

[@onelove762]

Another question. After I use the pickle solution how long can I keep it for in the pot for other projects?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Art Lover, It will last for a long time. When it starts to turn blue/green then simply add more of the pickle crystals. Greg Greenwood

[@StacyClark73]

What are your thoughts on using peroxide to reconstitute contaminated pickle? I for the life of me cannot find my notes on this but had just learned of it.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Stacy, I have not heard of using peroxide to reconstitute the pickle. Peroxide is a mild acid, so I would think it should help the pickle in removing the copper oxides. Let me know when you find your notes on this. Thank you for your question. I appreciate it. Greg Greenwood

[@StacyClark73]

@@greggreenwood4628 I cannot find my notes but I did find some information on Ganoskin which is most likely where I was made aware of it in the first place. The stronger the peroxide the better. It does as you stated in removing the oxides.

[@torstenneuer1560]

Potassium alum does also make a good pickle. Should also be used when warm although it does work when cold (i.e. over night after you heated a whole batch of pieces at the end of the day).

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you Torsten for your suggestion. Greg Greenwood

[@Forheavenssake1ify]

Also, buy 0-14 litmus paper to test the acidity, and to test how neutral it is when disposing, It costs about 6$ for 20 feet, and I use an inch at a time, so 3 cents per test.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Allan, Thank you for sharing your good idea!! Sounds great.. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@ShannonShenanigans79]

Hoping somebody can help me, in my pickle pot there is this brown sticky substance kind of floating to the top just pieces I have no clue how it got there or what it is. This is a brand new batch of pickle I did wash my pickle pot beforehand with soap and water I rinsed it out really really good and then I made my pickle. Can anybody tell me what it is cuz it's driving me nuts

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello ADHD, It sounds like you are preparing the pickle correctly. Question, What kind of flux are you using? It sounds like you might be using a grease flux that is used in electrical soldering. It is brown and is sticky. For silver soldering make sure you use borax flux or a liquid flux for silver. I hope this helps you. Let me know how it goes. Greg Greenwood

[@Sharilputri2306]

hallo im from malaysia,,,cant you making silver 960 ,please teach me,tq

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sharil Putri, I do not make my own silver sheets and wire. I let the foundry do the exacting work. But if you want to make your own silver at 960. Just weigh out fine (pure) silver and copper at the correct percentages, melt in your crucible, and pour into an ingot mold. Then you can make either sheet with a rolling mill or wire with the rolling mill for wire. I hope this helps you. Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@Sharilputri2306]

@@greggreenwood4628 yes teacher im understand .i try it .tq for knowledge .the great greg greenwood🙏🏻👍🏼👍🏼

[@janmcmullan468]

can i use Silicone tongs

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Jan, Yes, silicone tongs are ok for pickle. Copper, wood, plastic are good. Just do not use steel tongs. Thanks again for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@janmcmullan468]

@greggreenwood4628 thank you for yr reply love yr videos

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Jan, You are welcome. Greg Greenwood

[@mohamedameen1741]

hi sir hope you always fine heat discolouration of the metal how can remove that effect ----metal is brass[ spandrel on clock dial ] came like that I guess a blow torch was used on it -we can't use any agreasive refinishing... [conservation reason ] can't send photo or refer to the forum [when do not found my comment -dont know why - hope not poring you sir -forgive me

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Mohamed, I know the look that you are describing. You could try a paste brass cleaner. It may work for you. Greg Greenwood

[@paula5374]

What is the ratio of water to baking soda in the neutralizing solution? Also, if I decide to use the Citric Acid solution, how to I mix it, and is it toxic like the sparex? Thanks very much for taking the time to share your expertise.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Paula, I use about 1 to 10 baking soda to water. This does not have to be exact. Citric Acid is not toxic. It is used in the canning of food. I use a strong solution of citric acid. About 1 to 6 citric acid to water. Use it warm in a crook pot as in the video. If the solution doesn't seem to work fast enough ( a couple of minutes when warm) then add more citric acid. Every jeweler likes a different ratio, so whatever works for you, go for it. Thanks for your question. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood