Oh, no don't throw away the magical liquid! :) It can be reused, revamped and filtered and used over and over (sometimes for years). You can filter it back to the original container through a couple of coffee filters using a plastic funnel. Copper electroforming solution can be reused over and over, all you have to do is to add distilled water to replenish any amount that evaporated, and filter it every once in a while when necessary (to remove impurities that end up clouding the liquid and settle on the bottom of your beaker.) (And you would want to add brightener to it when needed.) Generally, if you do get rid of the solution it needs to be neutralized with baking soda (it is acid, always wear your gloves and safety glasses!) and then taken to a hazardous waste disposal location. (You can let the water content evaporate to condense the liquid.)
I’m not sure what you mean by “filling out” - Do you mean to protect the stone? You can use many different products. (that can be removed afterwards)I have started to double up and use both nail polish and mod podge over it because currently I am doing thick coating that takes many days. The mod podge loosened on one of my pieces. It may have also not been dry enough. (Let it dry for a day.)
What do you use to remove the mod podge from the stones after plating ? Which is better to use to coat gemstones (or whatever you don't want plated) mod podge or liquid latex ?
There's a short in the videos that shows removing the mod podge. (I use a plastic tool that comes with fake nails. It's just perfect because one end is slanted and the other pointy.) What you use depends on the stone and how long you are going to keep it in the bath. The longer bath and the softer stone the more coating it needs or the acid will get to it under the coat. I now use two layer system for all labradorites, first clear nail polish, then mod podge. (remove polish with nail polish remover after you peel the mod podge) And apply the nail polish so it goes slightly under the conductive paint to prevent it from seeping through. There are many other coats you can use that I haven't tried (some people use Rock top coat and mold builder). I imagine many types of clear coats will work.
Great video! Had a quick question. If I were to turn off the rectifier at night, do you remove the pendants, and neutralize then add them to the bath again in the morning? Thanks!!!
I usually take them out and rinse with distilled water. Especially if it’s a stone that can get damaged by the acid. Some clear coats (like mod podge) seem to benefit too since they get to dry.
Electroplating is a slightly different process than electroforming. A simple explanation is that electroplating is always coating one metal with another metal, but with electroforming you can make new objects using models and other materials (like organic items). You can find a real scientific and detailed explanation if you search for it on the internet :)
Thanks for sharing I have watched a few videos however they use apoxey paste or clay and you just used the graffitie paint 🎨 could you tell me that different please 🙏
I think you may be referring to building up a base before electroforming? You do that when you need to attach pieces together, or build up a solid base for the copper, for example ring base. If you don’t need to build up any base all you need is a conductive paint that you apply to sections of your piece you want copper to build on. A simple gemstone with a bail doesn’t need any additional base as long as you electroform a thick enough layer of copper.
Glad you like the tutorial! You don't have to use brightener, but it's a good idea. It doesn't change the color of copper, copper is always copper in the end. You polish your copper after it comes out and then you can change the color or give it patina (for example, dark patina with liver of sulfur). Usually I find that when the solution is filtered and clear the first pieces come out shiny, later on they start coming out dull. You can always polish the dullness in the end and make the copper shiny.
I'm having issues with the rectifier voltage. I see you ended up at .30 something. Do you start at .6 then build up? If so how long and how steady of a increase? *super new to electroforming*
Please see my blog post for full instructions. People use different methods to set the current and voltage. It also depends on how fast you want the copper to build up, etc. There is also a mathematical way to calculate it.
I generally like a pretty thick layer of copper, I keep them in for a few days (at night I turn it off) until I’m happy with the result. I’m not completely sure what you mean by removing the stone, do you mean removing it from the copper if you happen to not like the results? You would have to cut it off, as long as your prep work was good it’s pretty permanently on there (the result you generally want, of course😄) Interesting question though, I haven’t ever wanted to completely start over, I’ve put pieces back in for more copper a few times. Electroforming is fun that way, you can keep checking how your piece is doing and get the result you want.
@@Basketofbluecom thank you very much for your answer! I wanted to know if it's possible to detach the stone easily away from the copper. Just to have the copper form separated. Also, how do you handle the electroformed part after removing it from the liquid? do you need to wash it first?
You neutralize the acid by rinsing the piece in distilled water and baking soda. (If you didn't read the full tutorial on my blog I highly recommend it since the video is an accompaniment to the tutorial.) After neutralizing you can polish/sand/buff the piece with any method you would normally use with copper. If you are going to use electroforming to make a copper form and you want to remove the "inside" maybe some organic object would work better that is softer to remove. (It would need to be sealed properly or it will decontaminate the solution. For example, you could use tree bark or an acorn.)
Hi! I'm trying to remember where to get my copper to put in the bath. What size is it? I know it has to be real copper, and I think I got it at Home Depot but it's been about 5 years. Thank you
It doesn't matter much what size it is. The bigger and thicker the longer it lasts. Some people like to make a coil out of copper wire (e.g. 16-12 gauge) Any reputable jewelry supplier will have sheets or wire. Plumbing pipe is not usually recommended (not sure of the reason)
Look for a conductive paint for electroforming recipe. There are many out there, I always buy mine and just dilute it as needed. (I believe some are alcohol based, some water based. Mine I dilute with distilled water.)
I'm not really sure what you mean. Copper electroforming always results in copper. You may be thinking of silver and gold plating. It is a bit different process and you use a liquid that has gold or silver suspended in it.
I assume you mean the texture on the copper surface? That's a very interesting question and in my opinion is a bit mysterious! Many things affect the way the copper forms on the piece - the current, liquid contamination level, time, the shape of your piece and how it is suspended in the liquid... I find that with experimenting you will get a feel on how to achieve different textures. Generally with slower process (long time, low current) you get more interesting texture. Also, when your bath is just contaminated enough you can get interesting textures, but when the bath is Too contaminated they become rough and often ugly. If you start with very clean bath (new liquid or just filtered it) you get smoother and brighter finish. The way the piece is suspended affects where the particles will attach. For example if I make oval pendants that get surrounded with copper (similar to when it is bezel set) you need to turn the piece often or it won't coat evenly and you get bumps on one end. There is a scientific method to calculate current and time, and it relates to texture, but I am not a scientist. (there's a link to the formula in my blog of this tutorial post at Basketofblue.com). In my opinion by experimenting you learn the best on how to get the texture you want.
I’m not understanding your question. If you mean a different metal then it’s a different process. (You can electroplate with silver or gold, but that’s a different process.)This tutorial is about copper electroforming so the metal is actual copper.
Thank you!
nice tutorial and gem collections awosm
Nice, they look great. You could dip the tops of them in the graphite paint to make it a little easier. Either way good job
Can you do a tutorial of making the graphite conductive paint
Can you use same technique with gold 18 k ring ?
Hi! Really well made! In the end of the bath , what do I do with solution if I don’t use it? Do I have to throw it away?
Oh, no don't throw away the magical liquid! :) It can be reused, revamped and filtered and used over and over (sometimes for years). You can filter it back to the original container through a couple of coffee filters using a plastic funnel. Copper electroforming solution can be reused over and over, all you have to do is to add distilled water to replenish any amount that evaporated, and filter it every once in a while when necessary (to remove impurities that end up clouding the liquid and settle on the bottom of your beaker.) (And you would want to add brightener to it when needed.) Generally, if you do get rid of the solution it needs to be neutralized with baking soda (it is acid, always wear your gloves and safety glasses!) and then taken to a hazardous waste disposal location. (You can let the water content evaporate to condense the liquid.)
I was told to cover the stone in latex to prevent it from filling out if that helps!
I’m not sure what you mean by “filling out” - Do you mean to protect the stone? You can use many different products. (that can be removed afterwards)I have started to double up and use both nail polish and mod podge over it because currently I am doing thick coating that takes many days. The mod podge loosened on one of my pieces. It may have also not been dry enough. (Let it dry for a day.)
What do you use to remove the mod podge from the stones after plating ? Which is better to use to coat gemstones (or whatever you don't want plated) mod podge or liquid latex ?
There's a short in the videos that shows removing the mod podge. (I use a plastic tool that comes with fake nails. It's just perfect because one end is slanted and the other pointy.) What you use depends on the stone and how long you are going to keep it in the bath. The longer bath and the softer stone the more coating it needs or the acid will get to it under the coat. I now use two layer system for all labradorites, first clear nail polish, then mod podge. (remove polish with nail polish remover after you peel the mod podge) And apply the nail polish so it goes slightly under the conductive paint to prevent it from seeping through. There are many other coats you can use that I haven't tried (some people use Rock top coat and mold builder). I imagine many types of clear coats will work.
Great video! Had a quick question. If I were to turn off the rectifier at night, do you remove the pendants, and neutralize then add them to the bath again in the morning? Thanks!!!
I usually take them out and rinse with distilled water. Especially if it’s a stone that can get damaged by the acid. Some clear coats (like mod podge) seem to benefit too since they get to dry.
Thi was very informative. I’ve seen electroplating it’s silver and gold is it the same process?
Electroplating is a slightly different process than electroforming. A simple explanation is that electroplating is always coating one metal with another metal, but with electroforming you can make new objects using models and other materials (like organic items). You can find a real scientific and detailed explanation if you search for it on the internet :)
Thanks for sharing I have watched a few videos however they use apoxey paste or clay and you just used the graffitie paint 🎨 could you tell me that different please 🙏
I think you may be referring to building up a base before electroforming? You do that when you need to attach pieces together, or build up a solid base for the copper, for example ring base. If you don’t need to build up any base all you need is a conductive paint that you apply to sections of your piece you want copper to build on. A simple gemstone with a bail doesn’t need any additional base as long as you electroform a thick enough layer of copper.
Hello, do you teach a class on silver electroforming with conductive paint? I'm interested. thank you
No, I've only worked with copper. Maybe I'll try that one day!
Hello. I love the tutorial. Do you have to use the brightener? I would like for my pieces to look more cooper gold looking
Glad you like the tutorial! You don't have to use brightener, but it's a good idea. It doesn't change the color of copper, copper is always copper in the end. You polish your copper after it comes out and then you can change the color or give it patina (for example, dark patina with liver of sulfur). Usually I find that when the solution is filtered and clear the first pieces come out shiny, later on they start coming out dull. You can always polish the dullness in the end and make the copper shiny.
I'm having issues with the rectifier voltage. I see you ended up at .30 something. Do you start at .6 then build up? If so how long and how steady of a increase? *super new to electroforming*
Please see my blog post for full instructions. People use different methods to set the current and voltage. It also depends on how fast you want the copper to build up, etc. There is also a mathematical way to calculate it.
Price for electro forming electrified
Hiya. Just wondering what gauge wire your using for your bails? Thank for the video
It was probably 20 gauge. It doesn’t matter that much because you’re building a layer of copper over them.
@@Basketofbluecom cheers for the info. Was thinking about getting some 14 gauge but won’t need to now ☺️
Awesome video! thanks. How long did you leave it there? how thick is the copper layer? also, is it easy to remove the stone if necessary?
I generally like a pretty thick layer of copper, I keep them in for a few days (at night I turn it off) until I’m happy with the result. I’m not completely sure what you mean by removing the stone, do you mean removing it from the copper if you happen to not like the results? You would have to cut it off, as long as your prep work was good it’s pretty permanently on there (the result you generally want, of course😄) Interesting question though, I haven’t ever wanted to completely start over, I’ve put pieces back in for more copper a few times. Electroforming is fun that way, you can keep checking how your piece is doing and get the result you want.
@@Basketofbluecom thank you very much for your answer! I wanted to know if it's possible to detach the stone easily away from the copper. Just to have the copper form separated. Also, how do you handle the electroformed part after removing it from the liquid? do you need to wash it first?
You neutralize the acid by rinsing the piece in distilled water and baking soda. (If you didn't read the full tutorial on my blog I highly recommend it since the video is an accompaniment to the tutorial.) After neutralizing you can polish/sand/buff the piece with any method you would normally use with copper. If you are going to use electroforming to make a copper form and you want to remove the "inside" maybe some organic object would work better that is softer to remove. (It would need to be sealed properly or it will decontaminate the solution. For example, you could use tree bark or an acorn.)
Great video but how much time in hours during the day?
Hi! I'm trying to remember where to get my copper to put in the bath. What size is it? I know it has to be real copper, and I think I got it at Home Depot but it's been about 5 years. Thank you
It doesn't matter much what size it is. The bigger and thicker the longer it lasts. Some people like to make a coil out of copper wire (e.g. 16-12 gauge) Any reputable jewelry supplier will have sheets or wire. Plumbing pipe is not usually recommended (not sure of the reason)
I have graphite powder..What liquid should I mix it with to apply it to the stone?
Look for a conductive paint for electroforming recipe. There are many out there, I always buy mine and just dilute it as needed. (I believe some are alcohol based, some water based. Mine I dilute with distilled water.)
Hi can tell me please which paint use for silver and gold colour??
I'm not really sure what you mean. Copper electroforming always results in copper. You may be thinking of silver and gold plating. It is a bit different process and you use a liquid that has gold or silver suspended in it.
Does it matter what type metal wire I hang it on?
You need to use copper to conduct the current. Also keep the suspension wire clean. (Use gloves when touching wires)
How do you get those lines?
I assume you mean the texture on the copper surface? That's a very interesting question and in my opinion is a bit mysterious! Many things affect the way the copper forms on the piece - the current, liquid contamination level, time, the shape of your piece and how it is suspended in the liquid... I find that with experimenting you will get a feel on how to achieve different textures. Generally with slower process (long time, low current) you get more interesting texture. Also, when your bath is just contaminated enough you can get interesting textures, but when the bath is Too contaminated they become rough and often ugly. If you start with very clean bath (new liquid or just filtered it) you get smoother and brighter finish. The way the piece is suspended affects where the particles will attach. For example if I make oval pendants that get surrounded with copper (similar to when it is bezel set) you need to turn the piece often or it won't coat evenly and you get bumps on one end. There is a scientific method to calculate current and time, and it relates to texture, but I am not a scientist. (there's a link to the formula in my blog of this tutorial post at Basketofblue.com). In my opinion by experimenting you learn the best on how to get the texture you want.
@arielcopperart
Hi can tell me please which paint use for silver and gold colour??
I’m not understanding your question. If you mean a different metal then it’s a different process. (You can electroplate with silver or gold, but that’s a different process.)This tutorial is about copper electroforming so the metal is actual copper.