Flux is a chemical solution that is applied to the area of an article to be soldered prior to heating. An even coating of flux will protect the surface form oxidation, thereby allowing the solder to flow easily. Silver soldering cannot be achieved without the application of flux, although the type of flux used can vary. Because flux allows the solder to flow freely, it should only be applied to the connection to be joined; otherwise it will flow to wherever it can. To protect other areas of silver from excessive oxidation, a protective layer of Pripps flux can be used.
Flux should be applied generously, as some of it will burn off during heating.
Tips
- The selected flux must be fully liquid at a temperature below the melting point of the solder being used.
- General purpose fluxes such as borax, Easy-flo or Tenacity No. will be suitable for most soldering jobs.
- The joint should be soldered as soon as possible after applying the flux to ensure that it remains in an unbroken, even layer.
- Flux should be applied using a clean, soft brush. If other chemicals are allowed to contaminate this brush, they may prevent the flux from working.
