[.uk] The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes: From ... (ISBN 0896891933)

How to finish metal with flair!:
This is a book for those wanting to see how metal reacts to various applications --- which are covered in some detail for the metal artist to try some of the procedues on their own. I was truly amazed by how simple variations for the process of Patination and Oxidation could produce such a varied coloration or patterns upon various substrates (metal). Who knew that by mixing ammonium chloride with tobacco will produce such an interested moss-evergreen color variation upon copper. Thus this book served as a great learning tool for me and allowed me to work metal without waste (particularly due to the cost of some metal these days) as the examples provided in the book gave me the confidence to move forward with my own designs. Each section is followed by wonderful gallery examples by numerous artists using the techniques described. Great ideas can be developed by reviewing the metal finishing techniques and observing the gallery examples. More info on how to actually do each technique would have also been helpful, but there is enough to enable every metal artist with significant knowledge of metal to move forward and proceed on some of the finishes described and maybe not fleshed out in the beginning of the section. So classify this book for intermediate or advanced metalsmiths...beginners can review this book, but please gain enough enough knowledge (at least for some processes) to aid in becoming bold enough to proceed. Some techniques are easy enough for beginners - the stamping, rolling-mill, polishing/matt/satin, press forming, and engraving. The other techniques - etching, patination/oxidation, casting, foil, granulation, enameling inlay, and chasing/repousse - are appropriate for those with more experience either through instruction, other book information, chemistry knowledge, and other methodologies. However, I could only give it 4 stars since one of the most important issues was not covered in significant detail - safety. One page devoted to the subject (page 8) is NOT enough, particularly since some of the techniques are dangerous or at least require controlled conditions with appropriate protective covering of hands/eyes/clothing with stabilizing materials available in case of an accident (e.g. spilling chemicals). This is a great book to envision the possibilities when working with metals and producing your own jewelry or fine art; and the price makes it an easy addition to your reference library.

great for the novice:
I found this book well structured for me as a novice. It provides lots of beautiful examples of the techniques. I'll look for more detailed "how to" instructions elsewhere but this book is a great start.

Has everything you've ever wondered about....:
I have lots of jewelry books. This is more of "class examples" and the like. It shows many ways to do textures, finishes, etc. and shows the finished product. It has saved me the time and expense of doing them myself. What a help!

You must try it:
Its title is the best description of this book; you must try all possibilities that you can find inside.

Good how-to, inspiring gallery:
This remarkable book has something for metalworkers at every level. A the low end, it includes cold-worked techniques that require little in the way of tools, such as engraving. Even a beginner, with just a few gravers, can create interesting and decorative results, given the basics that McGrath presents here. Other techniques require more advanced skills, such as fluency in soldering and ability to harden custom steel tools. Yet others require more expensive tools, like an enameling kiln, rolling mill, or hydraulic press. Although all of the techniques are within reach of a well-equipped amateur studio, professionals will find plenty of ideas, too. McGrath follows a common pattern for each technique: a few pages of how-to, another few pages showing variations on the theme, and a brief but mouth-watering gallery of finished pieces, a total of six to ten pages. Numerous photos demonstrate the techniques and record the results, giving visual learners plenty to work with. Even with the number of different techniques and variations shown here, one can always ask for more. McGrath shows some applique techniques (including granulation), but skips others - cutouts and twisted wire, for example, offer possibilities that never get explicit mention. Mokume gane's magical surfaces never appear, either. The etching section could use a little more, as well. McGrath doesn't say much about the special precautions required for the most aggressive acids, skips over the gentler etchants (like ferric chloride) that work well on copper, and never mentions mordants for metals like steel or aluminum. This isn't a beginner's book, though. The intended reader already knows basic tool and safety procedures, and knows where to look to find additional depth regarding each technique. Instead of a self-contained textbook, this should be treated as a starting point - and a beautiful one, that leaves the crafter eager and full of ideas. -- wiredweird