3693. To Coat Busts and Figures

3693.     To Coat Busts and Figures. Busts and figures, and other complicated works of art, which cannot be perfectly coated with black-lead, may be covered by a film of 6ilver or gold, which serves as a conducting medium to the copper. This is effected by a solution of phosphorus in sulphuret of carbon. The solution of phosphorus is prepared by adding to each pound of that substance 15 pounds bisulphuret of carbon, and then thoroughly agitating the mixture; this solution is applicable to various uses, and, amongst others, to obtaining deposits of metal upon non-metallic substances, either by combining it with the substances on which it is to be deposited, as in the case of wax, or by coating the surface thereof. Any of the known preparations of wax may be treated in this way, but the one preferred is composed of from 6 to 8 ounces of the solution, 5 pounds wax, and 5 pounds deer's fat, melted together at a low heat, on account of the inflammable nature of the phosphorus. The composition thus obtained is acted upon by an electrotyping solution as readily as if it were coated with the black-lead.

3694. To Gild or Silver-Plate Flowers, etc.

3694.    To Gild or Silver-Plate Flowers, etc.. If the solution of phosphorus {see No. 3693 (To Coat Busts and Figures)) is to be applied to the surface of the article, an addition is made to it of 1 pound wax or tallow, 1 pint spirits of turpentine, and 2 ounces pure India-rubber (dissolved with 1 pound asphalt, in bisulphuret of carbon), for every pound phosphorus contained in the solution. The wax and tallow being first melted, the solution of India-rubber and asphalt is stirred in; then the turpentine, and after that the solution of phosphorus is added. The solution prepared in this manner is applied to the surfaces of non-metallic substances, such as wood, flowers, etc., by immersion or brushing; the article is then immersed in a dilute solution of nitrate of silver or chloride of gold; in a few minutes the surface is covered with a fine film of metal, sufficient to ensure a deposit of any required thickness on the article being connected with any of the electrical apparatus at present employed for coating articles with metal. The solution intended to be used is prepared by dissolving 4 ounces silver in nitric acid, and afterwards diluting the same with 12 gallons water; the gold solution is formed by dissolving 1 ounce gold in nitro-muriatic acid (aqua regia), and then diluting it with 10 gallons water. The solutions of silver and gold, prepared as above, will last for a long time, and serve for a great many articles. When it is convenient it is best to use both solutions. The connecting wire should first be attached to the article to be coated, before being dipped into the phosphorus solution, but connected at such parts as will not hurt the appearance of the object by leaving a mark when it is taken off. Care should be taken not to touch the article with the hands after it is dipped into the solution. The object supported by the connections is immersed in the phosphorus solution, where it remains for two or three minutes. When taken out it is dipped into the silver solution, and, as soon as the surface becomes black, having the appearance of a piece of black china, it is to be dipped several times in distilled water, and then immersed in the solution of gold about three minutes; the surface takes a bronze tinge by the reduction of the gold. It is next washed in distilled water by merely dipping, not by throwing water upon it. The wire connection is now attached to the zinc of the battery, and then the article put into the copper solution, and in a few minutes the article is coated over with a deposit of copper. A thin copper surface may thus be given to small busts or figures without sensibly distorting the features.