Paste Solder vs. Wire Solder: What Should I Use?
We carry two types of solder for soldering non-ferrous (sterling, gold-fill, copper, nickel and brass) metals.
Both work well, but sometimes one is better for the job than the other. Learn more about paste and wire solder in this soldering tutorial series.
Wire solder stays where you place it allowing more control over where it flows when heated. Paste solder is more difficult to control and has a tendency to flow all over the place, resulting in a messy solder joint. Wire solder is used with an additional flux so that it will flow properly when heated.
Wire Solder
This solder comes in Easy, Medium and Hard. When soldering a piece with multiple steps, begin with hard solder as it has the highest melting temperature. Then move to medium and easy for the next steps.
Paste Solder
Paste Solder comes in Soft, Medium and Hard and is used in steps like the wire solder. Paste already contains flux, so there is no need to apply extra flux when using it.
To learn more about soldering consider taking one of our online video classes: Introduction to Soldering, Soldering a Basic Ring or Soldering a Jump Ring Closed. These classes will put you on the road to successful soldering, and once you're ready for more advanced classes check out Making a Soldered Jump Ring Chain and Making a Soldered Bezel Set Stone.
- Lisa Kelly
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