White Mold On Stained Glass Copper Foil

by Sue
(Hawaii)

Do you have any solutions/prevention measures for the accumulation of a white "mold" on the solder that forms rather quickly in a tropical climate? It doesn't matter whether I wash the piece in ammonia, baking soda, detergent, or several times with Quik Kleen, or whether I end up with a paste wax or Nevr Dull. It's so discouraging. The pieces I have sent to the mainland Midwest do not develop this "mold." It's only here in Hawaii. Any ideas?

Milly's reply:

Do you use the wax after soldering your stained glass copper foil panel, or only after you've put the patina on? I've heard Mother's California Gold Carnauba Cleaner Wax recommended in the US, although it's a product I can't get here in the UK.
So, scrub the stained glass solder with ammonia - with one of those green scrubbers - until it froths, and then dry thoroughly. This should get rid of the oxidation, which is the cause of your 'white mold'.
Then apply the stained glass patina - if it's black, rinse with warm water, dry properly and let it set for a day.
Then repeat the waxing process, this time leaving the wax to dry before buffing it up.
I've no idea about tropical climates - it's freezing here! - but I hope it works...