Frosting - Painted or Chemical?

[Darrell]

I read Dietrich's excellent article on the S&L RKs. I was intrigued by the explanation on the frosting process and how later this was replaced by painting.

How does one determine if a cross with minty frosting is chemically induced OR is painted on?

Thanks.

[Dietrich Maerz]

Hi Darrel,

with an absolute minty cross it might be tricky withou a loup. However, the pickling (chemical) process is part of the silver frame (and it ONLY works with silver) and cannot be scratched away.

A good spot to look are the corners or at any irregularity in the frosting line. If you can see the polishing 'underneath' it's painted. Also, look at the inner beading, next to the core. Is it regular or are there some spots where the silver comes thru (normally black or very dark)

Dietrich

[Marc Garlasco]

Darrell,
I have no idea, but I saw this stuff at Home Depot that you can use to put fake grout on bathroom tiles. It looks a lot like frosting. So I might buy it and see...

Marc

[Darrell]

Hi Darrel,

with an absolute minty cross it might be tricky withou a loup. However, the pickling (chemical) process is part of the silver frame (and it ONLY works with silver) and cannot be scratched away.

A good spot to look are the corners or at any irregularity in the frosting line. If you can see the polishing 'underneath' it's painted. Also, look at the inner beading, next to the core. Is it regular or are there some spots where the silver comes thru (normally black or very dark)

Dietrich

Ahh .. ok .. thanks Dietrich ... good tips. I have a piece soon coming and I'd like to determine which type of frosting it is

[Darrell]

Darrell,
I have no idea, but I saw this stuff at Home Depot that you can use to put fake grout on bathroom tiles. It looks a lot like frosting. So I might buy it and see...

Marc

Try it on your RK Marc ... tell us how it works

[Marc Garlasco]

Bite me...