Just out of interest

[Truffle & Podge]

Do any of you out there prefer to leave the protective film on the silver when piercing?

[Dennis]

The short answer is 'no', because for me the ragged effect would obscure the crispness of the cut.

Also I always make a label for any design and stick it on with Pritt, so the plastic would interfere with that. Here is a brief account of what I do:

1. Draw the design, often oversized and then adjust by copying on my copier to the size I want.
2. Stick on with Pritt, which later comes off with water.
3. If I am after accuracy, I spray with art fixative to resist surface wear before piecing.
4. If there are critical lines, cut through with a fresh snap-off blade to mark the silver, using a ruler for straight lines. This allows me to perfect the piecing or file to the line after washing off the label.

Below my name buckle pierced in this way. Two letters were cut off, beveled and soldered back on. Dennis.

[Goldsmith]

As Dennis says, no. I like to see where I am piercing without any obstructions. I always draw my design on the metal surface and outline the design with a graver before piercing.

James

[Anna Wales]

Same as Dennis and James.
Here is a new ring pattern I've started. Film would get in the way.

[mizgeorge]

I do for large stuff, but not for detailed piercing.

[Patstone]

I tried leaving the plastic on, but as mentioned before you get a ragged edge which obscures what you are trying to cut. So like James and Dennis, I draw on with a sharpie to start with then normally go over it again with a graver lightly to mark it. Hate piercing so do as little as I can get away with.

[Dennis]

Well I guess you got loads of information there Tasha. I keep away from gravers except as a last resort, as I am likely to make skid marks. Time to go on a course again, I think. But I cant bear wasting the first day on all the setting up again. Dennis.

[Patstone]

You are lucky there are courses in your area. It must be lovely to have the choice of places at your fingertips.

Well I guess you got loads of information there Tasha. I keep away from gravers except as a last resort, as I am likely to make skid marks. Time to go on a course again, I think. But I cant bear wasting the first day on all the setting up again. Dennis.

[susieq]

Oops - I draw my design onto masking tape and slap it on top of the protective film; I leave the film on the back too. Sounds like I need a rethink.

Susie

[Truffle & Podge]

i use the pritt stick method and after much frustration (cuz i'm a bit slow sometimes) i worked out that if i scan my design in and then print it out i don't have probs with ink smudging or feathering from the glue. I was just curious in case it was better to leave the film on
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