Creating a Safer, Healthier Studio: How Firescoff Flux, PickleIt™, and Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel Make a Difference
As metalsmiths, we work with materials that require intense heat, powerful chemicals, and fine precision. While the process is rewarding, it’s important to create a studio environment that prioritizes safety and health. After all, the more comfortable and secure we feel in our workspace, the better our work will be. Over the years, I’ve incorporated a few products into my studio routine that help make the process safer, healthier, and ultimately more enjoyable. Three of my favorite products are Firescoff Flux, PickleIt™, and Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel. Let’s dive into why these products are essential to my metalsmithing practice.
Firescoff Flux: Protecting Your Lungs and Your Metal
Firescoff Flux is a highly effective product that acts as a shield, preventing oxidation and debris from building up while you work. By creating a barrier, it helps reduce the smoke that’s generated when you're working with metals. The result? Cleaner air in your studio and a safer working environment overall.
But the benefits of Firescoff Flux don’t stop at just keeping the air clear. It also helps with the soldering process itself by ensuring that your metal stays cleaner during heating, reducing the risk of oxidation. This ensures a smoother, stronger bond when you're soldering, which means better, more durable jewelry pieces.
I love how easy it is to apply, and it saves me time on cleaning since it minimizes oxidation. Plus, I feel better knowing that the fumes I breathe in aren’t as harmful to my health.
PickleIt: Safer Pickling with a Non-Toxic Solution
The process of pickling is essential for cleaning jewelry after soldering, as it helps remove oxidation and flux residue. Traditionally, pickling solutions contain harsh, toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and even be harmful to your lungs if the vapors are inhaled. Fortunately, PickleIt is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pickling solutions, and it’s completely safe to use in the studio.
PickleIt has all the benefits of regular pickle without the dangerous chemicals. It’s safe for both your health and the environment, which is crucial when you’re working in a confined space. I feel much better knowing I’m not handling toxic chemicals or releasing harmful fumes into the air.
Another thing I appreciate about PickleIt is how gentle it is on my jewelry. It effectively cleans oxidation and other residues without causing damage to the metal. It's also reusable, making it a sustainable option. In the long run, this saves both money and the environment.
Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel: Safer Patina for Your Pieces
Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel is an easy-to-use gel that allows you to apply patina. It’s a safer option for your lungs and better for your workspace in general. I love how efficient and easy it is to use. The gel formulation allows for more controlled application, and it’s a fantastic product to add depth and detail to your pieces.
The result is a rich, beautiful patina that adds character and uniqueness to your jewelry designs without compromising on safety. This is especially important when you're working in a small, enclosed space, and you're looking to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Why These Products Are Essential to My Studio
Using Firescoff Flux, PickleIt™, and Midas® Liver of Sulfur XL Gel in my studio isn’t just about improving my work—it’s about creating a space that’s healthier for me and the environment. As a metalsmith, I'm often surrounded by fumes, heat, and chemicals, so incorporating safer alternatives into my routine makes a world of difference. These products not only help protect my health but also enhance the quality of my work.
By switching to non-toxic products like these, I’ve created a safer, cleaner environment where I can focus more on my craft and less on worrying about the potential risks of working with harmful materials. And that peace of mind is something every metalsmith deserves.
If you're looking for ways to make your studio a safer place to work, I highly recommend giving these products a try. They’re easy to use, effective, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable practice.
