About TierraCast Buttons - Limited quantities available - No longer manufacted
As of end of 2023, the factory closed. These buttons were manufactured in the USA out of lead and cadmium free pewter, with exceptional quality and gorgeous finishes. These buttons can be relied upon for their quality and consistency.
Made out of a pewter alloy called Britannia, composed of 92% tin, 7.5 % antimony and .5% copper. Tin is refined from ore that contains other metals, including lead. A chemical process is used to remove the lead, but trace amounts still remain. Although all pewter contains trace amounts of lead, the term "lead free pewter" is used to describe pewter that meets the stringent FDA standard of less than .05% (or 500 parts per million) lead content in pewter in contact with food.
Precious Metals Plate Finishes
Silver Plate/Antique Silver Finish - A .999 Fine Silver layer applied over an under layer of brass or nickel. Antiquing with specially formulated metal marking ink. Silver plated surfaces can tarnish and may be brightened by softly rubbing a jeweler's polishing cloth, or by dipping in a Simple Green solution and rubbing with a soft cloth, or a quick dip and rinse using Goddard's silver dip.
Gold Plate/Antique Gold Finish - A 22k gold formulated to an 18k color layer applied over an under layer of copper, then a flash of nickel. Antiquing with specially formulated metal marking ink. This plating holds up very well with normal use. Any cleaning should be done with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Rhodium Plate - Pure Rhodium applied in a very thin layer. Holds up very well with use, however the thinness allows the under layer of nickel to leach and is not compliant under the EU testing protocols. Rhodium is from the Palladium family and is a highly valued metal for its toughness, resistance to scratches, and it does not tarnish. TierraCast continues to research an economical EU Compliant alternative to this very attractive tarnish resistant plate finish.
Base Metal Plate Finishes
Copper Plate/Antique Copper Finish - Applied in thickness sufficient for chemical antiquing and machine relief to give the plated arts a natural antique look. Like silver plate, it is susceptible to natural tarnishing and can be brightened by using a soft polishing cloth.
Brass Plate/Antique Brass Finish - Applied thick enough for chemical patination and machine relief to the surface. The final finish is then sealed with clear lacquer to reduce future tarnishing.
Antique Pewter Finish - Not an actual plating, but a chemical oxidation of the unplated pewter surface. Then it is machine relieved to brighten the surface and bring out details. A final clear lacquer is applied to resist tarnish.
