Not Soldering Foiled Pieces Immediately

(Wisconsin)

Hi,
First, your site is fantastic. My problem deals with not soldering foiled pieces soon after they are foiled. Is there anything you have to do to the foiled pieces if they've been foiled for a week before your ready to solder?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi,

If you have a panel that's been sitting for only a week, you shouldn't have a problem with oxidation.

I say "shouldn't", because each situation is different, depending on the temperature and moisture content of the room the glass is in, and depending on whether or not there are open chemicals in the room.

In most cases, once you flux the panel, the small amount of oxidation that might have been there will be removed. My husband used to teach soldering for NASA. His description of flux is: "something that properly prepares the surface to readily accept solder". Flux cleans off oxidation, as long as it isn't heavily oxidized.

If you have more oxidation than flux will remove, go over the foil with very fine steel wool, or better yet, bronze wool, rubbing up and down the foil, not cross wise. Bronze Wool is sold by some stained glass suppliers.

You'll know if the flux isn't working to clean off the oxidation, because the solder will not flow like it normally does.

In the future, store the foiled pieces in a zip lock bag until you're ready to use them. If you already have them laid out on the cartoon, ready to solder, slip the whole thing in a plastic bag, or cover it with Saran Wrap, making sure the edges are tucked under to keep the air out.