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How to Keep Stainless Shot Free of Residue

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

How does one keep stainless steel shot, used for tumbling a piece, free of black oxides that build up and can impart a dark residue to silver?
Instructions

Answer:

Great advice! Mixing metals in the tumbler batch can definitely cause all sorts of unwanted discoloration and contamination keeping each batch to one pure metal is key to preserving the finish. And yes, stainless steel shot is notorious for holding onto residues, so cleaning it thoroughly between runs is a must.

The "breaking in" period for new rubber barrels is something many people overlook. That initial rubber shedding can coat your shot and pieces with a nasty film, so it's wise to run a few test cycles before tumbling your actual jewelry.

Also, citrus-based detergents are tricky! Their acidic nature reacts with metals, causing that blackening effect you described. Using neutral detergents or none at all, plus checking your water quality, can save a lot of frustration.

Are you currently tumbling your pieces, or thinking about getting a tumbler setup?.

Now here are a couple of methods to clean the shot.

  • Make a thick mixture of baking soda and water and run it with the shot for 2 or 3 hours; remove the shot, rinse everything clear and if still blackened a bit, repeat.

  • Run the shot in clear water with a good dose of pure (no citrus) Dawn dishwashing detergent with grease cutter.

    Using fresh water each time, repeat either cleaning method chosen, as many times as necessary to get rid of the collected grime.


    Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

    • Materials

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    Tools

    WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler Madagascar Mix Deluxe Kit, Includes 3 Pounds of Rough Madagascar Stone Mix and 2 Batches of 4 Step Abrasive Grit and Polish with Plastic Pellets (2021 Version)
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    WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler Madagascar Mix Starter Kit, Includes 1.5 Pounds of Rough Madagascar Stone Mix and 1 Batch of 4 Step Abrasive Grit and Polish with Plastic Pellets (2021 Version)
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    WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound (2021 Version)
    G24-1V2-KITSS
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    WireJewelry 4 Step Rock Tumbler Abrasive Grit and Polish Kit with Plastic Filler Pellets, 5 Batches
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    WireJewelry 4 Step Rock Tumbler Abrasive Grit and Polish Kit, Single Batch
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    Stainless Steel Shot - 1 lb Bag
    G24-4
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    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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    • Category: General Education
    • Technique(s): Tumbling, Tools, General Education

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