Hazardous Freight
I have been ordering hazardous chemicals via catalog lately. Really! This is the tagline: “This item is hazardous and is non-returnable. It can only be shipped via ground freight.”
What in particular? A hydrochloric acid and tellurium solution. And ferric nitrate crystals.
No, I’m not building a bomb in my basement. I don’t have a basement. And I’m not trying to poison my great aunt. I no longer have any great aunts. 
(But not because of my chemical-purchasing habits.)
These chemicals, and many like them, are routine metalsmithing supplies. The craft is more than hammer-finishing pieces and soldering ends together for a secure finish.
The first solution is for applying an antique black oxidized finish to silver and gold – it is one of the few chemicals that will patinate gold, which is quite nonreactive. The second chemical, made into a solution with water, is an etching mordant that will work on silver.
Not surprisingly, many metalsmiths have red, raw, dry, cracked hands. Even though we use nitrile gloves and appropriately nonreactive tongs for work with all the hazardous chemicals – acid pickle & etch, acetone, solvents, cleaners, etc. – we end up washing our hands and our works-in-progress (often with scouring powder) so frequently that we chap and dessicate our hands.
I do work in an adequately ventilated area, and use a breathing mask and/or eye protection when appropriate.
It’s worth it when a piece comes together.
Even if the UPS guy does think I’m a nutjob.
January 18th, 2009
I’m glad you’re wearing nitrile gloves and not latex. I developed my latex sensitivity because of constant handwashing and wearing gloves all the time.
More importantly, if you don’t already have a list of your own:
Kiss My Face Olive & Aloe Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin is my number one hand lotion to wear during the day. Avoid fragrances is you can, lest you then develop a sensitivity to them (from constantly exposing chapped hands to the fragrances). (sigh)
Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme is another good one for sensitive skin. It has a very strong almond odor though, that Michael hates, but it dissipates quickly.
My favorite to put on first thing in the morning or before bed is Aveda’s Hand Relief lotion. It smells good, and works very well.
Also? Hazardous chemicals are FUN, but disposing of them is not.
January 18th, 2009
The hard thing is that while I’m working I can’t use lotion – b/c grease on metal ruins most processes.
I use Neutrogena unscented Fisherman’s Friend – I hate scented lotion. I’ll have to try the Kiss My Face stuff.
And yes, if the chemicals can be neutralized, I do that before disposing of them – otherwise I save them for hazardous waste trips to the dump.
January 19th, 2009
Maybe aftewards, if there’s a particularly badly chapped area on your hands, try lanolin. Nothing helps my severely chapped/cracked skin like lanolin. It’s something to put on at night after your work day is completely done. It’s a little tacky – not lotion-like at all. You can find it with nursing supplies in the baby care section of the drug store. (Yes, I did use lanolin while nursing. That’s how I found out about it in the first place.
January 19th, 2009
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