Frosting

[Bruce Jarrett]

What is frosting on medals made of and how is it applied ? Thanks

[DavidM]

Hello

According to Gordon Williamson frosting is:

"..an attractive matte white silver oxide effect, which was created by either of two different methods. In some, the process used involved 'cooking' the decoration in soda which produced a beautiful opaque frosted effect. Alternatively, the frame would be heated before being plunged into an acid bath. Prior to this the outer flanged edge would be painted with an acid resistant to prevent its taking on the matte frosted effect. The finish left by this method produces a matte frosted effect but does not give the pleasing 'white' finish of the former. The outer edge was then burnished with a metal tool and highly polished...."
(Gordon Williamson, 'The Iron Cross of 1939', page 266)

Regards
David

[Bruce Jarrett]

Thanks