How to Use PMC >> Prev | Finishing | Next
Finishing
After firing, silver PMC has a characteristic matte white colour. Because the surface has a microscopic texture, the effect is as if there is a powdery skin on the silver. Press it even lightly and you will see how the texture gives way to a reflective silvery shine. As you might infer from this, some form of burnishing should always be part of the finishing process.
Hand-Burnishing
Perhaps the most basic (and rewarding) way to polish PMC is to rub it with any hard, smooth object. Commercial burnishers offer a time-tested shape in a comfortable handle, but you can use knitting needles, teaspoons and polished nails. Lubricate the action with a few drops of water and rub the PMC in all directions to make it shine. Follow this with a polishing cloth to remove burnishing marks.
Polishing Paper
Exciting developments in the last decade have given us a huge selection of new abrasive papers that not only cut faster but also leave a brighter shine than was possible with papers before. Move systematically from coarse to fine grits, changing directions with each switch. For increased leverage, wrap the papers around a tongue depressor or similar support.
Scratch-Brushing
Brushes made from very thin brass or stainless steel wires can be used to burnish PMC. Lubricate with any sort of soap and work under a slow drizzle of water. Scrub in all directions. Scratch-brushing can be used in conjunction with any other technique.
Tumbling
A tumbler is a mechanical device in which hundreds of steel balls and rods cascade against jewellery objects as they rotate in a drum like a miniature clothes dryer. The advantages are that many pieces can be finished at once and that individual handling is minimal. For this reason, tumbling is often the choice of production artists.
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