QuestionHello Chris, I have 2 pieces of 925 silver,one stamped and the other engraved, The words i had stamped on one piece was painted and created in France,however shortly after, the paint chipped off and is now completely gone. i read that using Ceramit would be useful but the catylist is extremely expensive to ship due to its flammable content. My question is ,do you know of any other catylist i can use to mix with the Ceramit to give me the long lasting results i desire..anything from a hobby shop or home depot ? Thanks in advance ,Shaun
Answer
MSDS MSDS
Shaun,
Thanks for the question I have been trying to find the formula for the catalyst but it is Very secret as are most epoxy formulas for enamel hardening agents. They are also precise and the wrong combination may stay soft and not harden or Crack and chip. I don't recommend a substitute. Try a local supplier if possible and follow the label directions.
When repairing Eyeglass frames I got very good at matching existing finishes but I was surprised at what they were made of. The best match was with sharpie markers and clear fingernail polish. That was not on Sterling however. Sterling (.925) takes heat and you can use real Glass enamel on it if there are no stones that will be damaged by heating the glass.It also is Very difficult to do and match, and you have to re polish the entire piece after heating and don't forget to coat it with boric acid to keep down the tarnishing then remember to pickle when it cools completely or you will crack the enamel.
I have also had success with 2 part epoxy depending on the colors it may work for you.
Glass enameling is an art unto itself and takes lots of time and skill. That's why they came up with the Ceramit substitute.
You might also try an auto paint store and ask if they have some sample cans and a super hard clear top coat to protect it. you will have an inexpensive substitute there with lots of choices.
You will have to see what color matches best I recommend taking a sample with you to match the colors.
If you are going with authenticity I recommend the real thing Glass, but if you aren't going to wear it every day and just going for looks then paint store might be the easiest. Most Auto stores have touch up bottles.and they are made to stick to metal. Just make sure it is super clean before you paint or enamel it.
I hope this helps.
