Hello, thanks for answering my question about paint brush sparking.
Now I have two questions about thermal oxidation. First, I really like the torch process and the result, so I hope your answers are the ones I want to hear.
1. I read thermal oxidation of titanium is toxic, by "releasing" titanium oxides. It was a comment on youtube, not necessarily a credible source. The titanium oxides are built up on the metal, right? Is there a known health risk of heating titanium in a closed space? I don't have a fan at my bench. I open a window in warmer weather but it is closed in winter. Is a face mask recommended?
2. How durable are torch fired colors? Is anodizing more durable? What I noticed was the torched oxidation was thicker and less prone to scratches. But if it turns gray in a month's time, it wasn't worth my time or the value of other materials. I read there are no clear coats for titanium - is that true?
I am a beginner at titanium, anodizing or torching. I used flux on this pendant (I know flux is toxic) and the colors were torch fired. This is your crystalline titanium paired with a small lapis.
Thnx for any advice on using torch on titanium.
Hi Jama,
My standard disclaimer type response would be: just to make sure you might want to have a small fan going and wear a mask. My personal opinion is that I don't believe you'd have to worry about it. However, I do recommend wearing a heavy apron and safety goggles in case you have some titanium dust that might ignite under the torch flame. This would be standard safety procedure for any metal & flame combos.
As far as durability, the torch coloring might be a bit thicker but it will still scratch if put in a high friction position. A pendant will likely never have a problem whereas a belt buckle, bracelet or ring probably would. We recommend having the color in recessed areas so it won't be harmed by daily wear for these items. Your piece is lovely and will stay so! (unless someone cleans it with an abrasive).
There are lots of coatings you can use on titanium but what you have to remember is that since the color on the surface is an interference color (achieved by light shining through the oxide layer) anything you put in between the oxide layer and the light is going to change how it looks. It might not be a bad thing, but it won't look the same as it did before you put it on.
Try some clear nail polish on a scrap sample and see if you can live with how it looks. This will give you an idea of what some industrial clear coats would do.
Enjoy the process!
Michele
Thanks. That's awfully helpful. I keep soda at my bench to douse a titanium flame but flammability has been a problem. But I will take your advice on that.
I have told my customers to not drop this jewelry into their purses, backpacks, coin pockets or loose in a jewelry box and to clean with rubbing alcohol. So I think the abrasive piece is covered. I am really liking the rivet process too. When something doesn't look right I can cut out the rivets, fix the piece and rivet it back together. That option is not always available for standard metalsmithing.
I have more questions but will try not to hog this forum.
Alcohol or plain old original windex will do wonders without streaking! Don't worry about hogging the forum...the more questions, the more everyone learns =)