Handy Flux Paste with Brush

Every solder join needs flux, and Handy Flux is a paste soldering flux that works as both a silver solder flux and a brazing flux. You paint it onto the join and it keeps the metal clean as it heats, so your solder can flow into the seam and bond properly. Skip it, or let it burn off, and the solder balls up and sits on top instead of running in.

Because it's a flux paste rather than a liquid, it stays where you brush it. That matters on small jump rings, ear posts and bezels, where a runny flux can creep across the piece and drag the solder with it. As you heat, the flux bubbles while the water cooks off, then settles and turns clear and glassy as the metal comes up to temperature. It's a useful sign you're almost there.

It also works as a protective coat on sterling silver. A thin layer painted over the whole piece before heating helps cut down firescale, the grey stain that shows up after polishing and takes ages to remove.

If you've been using Borax Flux Powder, Handy Flux saves you the mixing, as it's ready to use straight from the jar. After soldering, drop your piece in pickle to clear the flux residue and any oxidation, then rinse. Handy Flux is also included in our Essential Soldering Kit.

Worth knowing:

• Dip your solder pallions in flux too, or place them onto fluxed areas, so they don't oxidise before they flow.
• Solder in a well-ventilated space, as flux fumes shouldn't be breathed in. The Safety Data Sheet is linked below.