Aqua Fortis and inlay discoloration?

[James]

I'm asking the question for someone else as I don't know the answer.  When using aqua fortis do you ever end up with dark streaks around the inlays?  The inlay material he's using is silver wire, nickel and pewter.  I suggested neutralizing after the heating stage, but don't know if his inlay material may be the issue.

[PPatch]

Test the batch of AQ on leftover bits of the metal in question. I did this prior to AQ'ing my Lancaster which had both brass and coin silver inlay. The brass was not too effected if the AQ was not on the metal for long (over 10 minutes), the silver did show a slight etching which was easily polished out. In any case it is not only the acid to worry about but the length of time the AQ is on the metal, the shorter the period the better. So, test before slathering the stock.

I believe your friend will do okay if he is cautious, and quick.

dave

[Sidelock]

Is it possible he had scrubbed the wire work with steel wool and tiny fibers of that wool were left behind?  If so, the A/F will react with the steel wool and cause some screwy coloration issues.  Just a thought.