I will need to consult a metal expert friend. I will find some resources for you and have them to you within the next day.   

Lisa

Hello, Ruth;

Here are some steps for an acid bath to remove the silver plating; however, metallurgy, especially stripping silver and copper can be very dangerous, and I would advise against it as a novice.

If you are going to try this, I would recommend investing in some metallurgy resources, mainly books, and taking some time to read about the process of removing the silver plating. An error in the process can cause potential dangers, but it can also damage the metal and object.   

Step 1-- Wear proper safety items (goggles, gloves, apron, and keep skin covered).

Step 2-- Mix a solution of 3 parts sulfuric acid to 1 part nitric acid in a porcelain or stoneware container.

Step 3-- Place the container in a larger pot filled with water; this is a water bath. Heat the water in the water bath with a burner until the acids in the container reaches a temperature of about 176 degrees F.

Step 4-- Tie a copper wire around the object you would like to remove the silver plating from. Suspend the object by the wire in the acid solution.

Step 5-- Remove the item after a few seconds. Rinse thoroughly in water, then roll it in sawdust to dry.

I could not locate any available seminars or workshops regarding silver restoration or metallurgy in your area. There are a few classes available at local community colleges for metallurgy fundamentals, but this is not specific to your need. This does not mean that these workshops and seminars are not available in your area. It may just not be the right time. I would encourage you to watch your local area for advertisements. I would pay special attention to antique restoration type classes.

There are a few other things I would like to add, if you are wanting to strip the silver plating for restoration, this is best done professionally. You may consider contacting an antique restoration service in Pennsylvania. I actually found several online as I was searching for some available workshops or seminars, and, based on their gallery pics, appear to do good work.

Finally, if you are considering this project for profits, I want to share something with you. Unfortunately, the cost for silver plating processing is usually higher than the profits generated. Generally, in order to make a profit from recycling silver plating, a person has to have a very large amount of silver plating, such as several sheets to make a profit.   

I hope this helps.   

Lisa

Edited by Ms. Lisa on 9/14/2009 at 2:01 AM

<p>Ruth;</p><p> </p><p>Thank you for answering. I was just in the process of writing you back. I was still not clear on your motivation regarding the silver plating. Thank you for clarifying.   That process is more for restorative purposes. Honestly, at this point, I just do not think there is an approach that you can take at home to process the silver and make any type of profit.   Most people do not work with silver plating for profit, but more for restoration.   If you had a large enough quantity, you could consider using a silver recycler company; however, they tend to require large amounts of silver plating. </p><p> </p><p>It might be a long shot, but let me check with some of our home improvement guys.   It does not hurt to do a little survey of experts. If I come up with anything, I will let you know.</p><p> </p><p>I do want to mention that I recently suggested a metallurgy/machinist/fabricator/welding category for just these types of questions. I will forward your posting on to our moderators and customer service. I think your posting is a good example of metal information needs.</p><p> </p><p>Lisa</p>