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STRIPPING AND BRIGHT DIPPINGSometimes but not always a crystalline effect takes place on pearls when they are subjected to strong stripping chemicals such as, muriatic and sulfamic acid. The crystalline effect on the pearl will vary depending on what kind of chemical was used for stripping and how long the pearls were left in it. By far a cold strip solution is the least invasive way of removing the lacquer. Once the lacquer has been stripped and the horn thoroughly rinsed you have your choice to either continue and add a bright dipped finish or just finish it then and there with a hand polishing. If requested the next step would be to Bright Dip. Bright Dip is typically a "chromate" solution that brightens and coats the brass with a chromate coating to retard discoloration. It could also be describes as a type of chemical plating.EXAMPLE OF BRIGHT DIPPING |
LACQUER OVER WORN PEARLSThe longer the brass is left in the solution the brighter and more crystalline in appearance the brass becomes. After bright dipping, horns must be thoroughly rinsed and hand polished for the final touch.
If pearls that have been rounded from constant use are covered with a new looking lacquer that matches the instruments body lacquer it's a pretty sure sign of a relac. Unusual colored lacquer found on pearls can be another valuable clue. Be sure to check that someone did not just put nail polish over a worn pearl. remember it's usually more than one clue that determines a relac.
Main Relacquered Menu To Discoloration Example 7 |
