Dirty Money Clip Tutorial

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

Clean both parts with alcohol and allow to dry. Apply flux to key points on the back of the scarab, and then apply small dots of solder to these points using soldering iron.
Add flux to the flat side of the money clip. Set money clip in pumice, arranging so that the top of the clip is level. Set the scarab on top of the clip in desired location.
Using butane torch, concentrate the flame on the ends and edges of the clip. You want the clip to heat up to allow the solder to flow. Briefly apply flame to the scarab. You will be able to see the solder flow and the scarab will settle down to the surface of the clip.
Allow joined piece to cool.
Place soldered clip in hot pickling solution to remove firescale. The soldering process usually brings some of the copper to the surface of the brass, so the piece will appear a bit reddish, even after cleaning. Remove from pickle once most of the discoloration has cleared. Rinse in cool water.
Apply Novacan patina to finished piece. The Novacan will blacken both the brass and any solder which might be showing. If you apply with a Q-Tip, you can control where you darken. If you dip the piece, you will darken it all (back, front, inside and outside).
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Polish as desired with ultra polishing pad. Do not allow pad to get wet, or it will be ineffective.