Annealing is a simple heat‑treatment process that softens metal, making it easier to bend, shape, and work with. If you hammer or form a metal like silver, it naturally tends to harden—so annealing brings it back to a “pliable” state.
Quick Facts:
- Kiln annealing: 730°C (1346°F) for 30 minutes, then quench
- Torch annealing: 1–3 minutes (depending on the metal) until the metal glows red
How to Anneal a Silver Sheet:
1. Prepare your pickle solution
2. Place the silver on a soldering block and heat evenly until it turns red
3. Let it cool until it darkens, then quench in water
4. Pickle for about 5 minutes and remove with tweezers
5. Rinse and dry
Above all, enjoy the process!
Maddalena bearzi readies to anneal an ingot of silver in her Los Angeles studio