Control where the solder flows.. I have marble mouth sometimes… please excuse when I say solder instead of paint or flux, but you are smart and will figure it out. https://vimeo.com/1119983813?share=copy

A gal asked if she could use isopropyl alcohol instead of soap and water to clean her pieces because the water was getting under the tape; No, alcohol isn’t good enough alone, in most cases, and in my opinion.. If you leave flux on the solder, it will eat at it, and make it dull. Isopropyl alcohol will dissolve light surface grease, but I don’t think it’s enough to get into all the nooks and crannies of a heavily textured piece, or if you use paste flux. If the surface is flat, with no texture, good wiping with an alcohol wipe may be enough. If your cleaning is getting under the tape, you haven’t burnished it well. Spend more time doing that. And when you’ve done the time you think you should do, do it again. Get a roller, makes a huge difference. Flux is really greasy, you need soap with grease-cutting surfactants to remove it. Baking soda and Dawn liquid detergent mixed to a toothpaste consistency is about the best. Scrub it, use a brass bristle brush - buy them in sets of three at the hardwares used for cleaning battery posts. I use a roller thing on the flat surface. The groove on the handle of this tool can be used to really smush the edges if the tape first. My tool is a bit different, but it wirks the same. https://www.amazon.ca/Foiler-Smooth-Roller-Delphi-Glass/dp/B00HHCSTIO/ref=asc_df_B00HHCSTIO?mcid=f96ed901b18935fda4a2ce746c0718c9&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706828873355&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10861453742117562323&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001455&hvtargid=pla-1159152772441&psc=1&hvocijid=10861453742117562323-B00HHCSTIO-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

If you are colouring your copper, by flame, or paint, or patina, the colours can change drastically if you try to put a protective coat on them. Pam East published a great video on YouTube about this a few years ago, "Perfect Patina with Pam East: Liver of Sulfur Tips and Tricks". ( She does a comparison of protectants at the end of the video). I needed a finish that wouldn't change the colours, and after a LOT of trial and error, I found Soluvar spray. In this video I use the matt finish. It's not perfect, by any means, but it's the best I found.

Not a beginner?? THIS is the place for you. The place to exchange ideas and techniques, suppliers and supplies with other intermediate/advanced jewelry makers using the Tiffany Soft Soldering Method.