Trouble Shooting

Problem: My solder is "spitting" as I work. What's wrong?

1. You are likely using too much flux. It is literally boiling when you apply the solder. Wipe some of the flux off with a paper towel and try soldering again. You may find areas that now need a little more flux, because you removed too much.
2. If the spitting only occurs on the back side of your project (or the second side you are soldering), the problem is still too much flux, but the cure is different. When you use too much flux on the front side of the project, the excess to flows through the panel, so the spitting isn’t as bad as it could be. When you use too much flux on the back side of the project, it can’t flow through to the front, because the front is already sealed. The obvious cure for this problem is to use less flux the next time. But what about now, when you already have too much and can’t remove it from between the glass? The only good solution is to apply your solder, and allow the flux to boil up and out of the seam. (Keep your face as far away from the project as you can.) Once it stops spitting, you can re-melt the solder and make it look as good as new.

Problem: I have gooey, glue residue along my solder seams that won't wash away.

1. Adhesive from foil may be working up and out onto your glass. This can be caused by poor foiling or burnishing of the copper foil, which allowed flux to seep underneath the foil. To correct this use a cuticle stick or soft toothbrush to clean adhesive away.
2. Your iron is too hot, causing the adhesive on the back of the foil to melt and seep out onto the glass. Depending on what type of iron you are using, either turn the rheostat down or change to a lower temperature tip.
3. If you reworked a seam too often, it may have loosened the foil. Allow the seam to cool to the touch and gently press the foil back down to the glass.

Problem: Attached hooks and rings are pulling away from my project.

1. Hooks and rings should never be attached to just a foiled edge. Attach hooks/rings to vertical seams in the piece or at a juncture between a vertical seam and the perimeter.
2. If there is no vertical seam or intersection, then attach the ring/hook to a horizontal seam in the piece.

Problem: My solder has  white chalky stuff on it. What did I do wrong?

1. All of the flux was not washed off of the project after it was soldered.
2. The project was not sealed with a finishing compound or wax, or it has worn off. Use 000 steel wool to remove the patina and any remaining wax. Clean the project thoroughly paying special attention to the corners and edges. Reapply the patina and wax.
3. The project has been exposed to the outside elements. Most waxes are intended for indoor use only. Others can be used outside, but must be reapplied regularly. Projects that will be exposed to the elements are better constructed using the lead came method.