Part 3/8:
Safety is paramount: silver nitrate is highly dangerous. Paul emphasizes not inhaling dust, avoiding skin contact (as it can turn skin black upon absorption), and wearing comprehensive protective gear including rubber gloves, an N95 mask, and sealed goggles.
After adding the silver nitrate, he gradually mixes it until fully dissolved, observing the solution's color change. He notes that a slow change over minutes indicates proper concentration; a rapid blackening suggests excess silver nitrate, which can cause uneven plating and unwanted buildup.