How to Use Liver of Sulfur to Darken Your Copper Jewelry

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This video will show you how to:
*Create the solution
*Use the solution to add patina and oxidize your jewelry piece
*What stones are suitable for the solution
*How to neutralize/dispose of the solution
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What you'll need:
Liver of sulfur gel: (see links below)
*Amazon: amzn.to/3VIljIv
*Fire Mountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com/4853...
Baking Soda - amzn.to/4cc5PD4
Water
Two Jars/bowls/containers
Pro-Polishing Pads - www.riogrande.com/product/pro...
Sunshine Polishing cloth: (see links below)
*Amazon: amzn.to/3XlAhX2
*Fire Mountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com/1543...
*Rio Grande: www.riogrande.com/product/sun...
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Link to my written tutorials:
ellieshandcraftedjewelry.com/...
Check out my blog to learn more about the in's and out's of wire wrapping:
ellieshandcraftedjewelry.com/...
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Starter Plier Set: amzn.to/3UognI2 (I used these for a long time before investing in my Swanstrom set. They are really great quality for the price AND you can pick out your favorite colors!)
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CHAPTERS
Intro & Special Promo: 00:00 -
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This video is happily sponsored by CASDANS!
Website: www.CASDANS.com
CASDANS Facebook Page: / 1578804325938734
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Where I get my wire:
www.riogrande.com
craftwireusa.com
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[@sarajanehaven]

Thanks for the demo and especially the tip about checking the hardness of the stone before oxidizing.

[@ellieshandcrafted]

Sure thing! :)

[@krusno-horskypruvodce9449]

thank you very much

[@ellieshandcrafted]

You're welcome!

[@leonettekoen172]

Hi. How do you give the copper a silver color. Thanks.

[@ellieshandcrafted]

When the patina is initially polished off, it will appear silvery for a while, but will mellow out into a more copper color after a bit. As far as I know, there isn’t really a way to keep it that color for long.

[@s38hyler]

Can you use boiled eggs to do it too? Seems i remember that

[@ellieshandcrafted]

I have heard of that, but I haven’t tried it myself. I guess I’ll add it to the list! 😊👍

[@quietspacearts]

will this LOS silverplated copper?

[@ellieshandcrafted]

I wouldn't recommend using LOS on silver-plated wires, usually because when you go to polish the piece, it removes the plating. Even silver-filled wire can have this problem at times. Plus, it more than likely has some kind of tarnish resistant coating on it that won't allow the piece to patina. That's why I generally recommending using solid sterling silver wire. I hope that helps!

[@SandyBaubleLove]

Hi Ms. E, How long can LOS be left on...ie: 10 min or 2 years? I got really sick after I did LOS on several pieces. I found them and before I start polishing I want to make sure I have not damaged them, and that I can still work on them???

[@ellieshandcrafted]

I think that it mostly depends on the stone. I can't see the copper being too affected, but I've never left it in that long. My biggest worry would be the stone discoloring, but once it's neutralized with baking soda, I think it's alright. :)

[@SandyBaubleLove]

@@ellieshandcrafted Thanks, I'll give it a go then!!

[@heather5208]

Do you recommend using Renaissance Wax or another polish to keep the piece from oxidizing once it has been sold? I have all of the things I need to oxidize and Ive noticed some of my pieces have darkened naturally even though i have everything baggied in an airtight container, will the oxidized pieces oxidize as fast as non-oxidized? I live in a very humid climate which might have some effect on the wire. Also do you recommend scuffing up the piece or prewashing before using liver of sulfur on it? Sorry for so many questions! Thank you for the tutorial btw!

[@ellieshandcrafted]

Hi there, Heather!! When it comes to the coastal weather, I'm honestly not sure how to mitigate that. I live in a very dry climate, so I don't experience that too much. However, it is one of the reasons I do add patina to my pieces, because they will look that way anyways.. (Plus, I'm a sucker for the rich color!) I have heard that maybe adding those little packets that remove oxogen help quite a bit. Sometimes you'll see them in packaging like supplements. And when it comes to preparing the piece beforehand, sometimes I will wash the piece if there are a lot of finger oils or lotions on the piece before putting it in the solution. And I don't scuff the wire at all. If it is solid copper wire, it should oxidize very quickly in warm water. I hope that answers your questions. Feel free to leave any more that you may have. :)

[@ellieshandcrafted]

Oh, and as far as a sealant, I have used Renaissance wax, but only if requested by a customer as some people do have reactions to it. I do have another sealant, but haven't really had the opportunity to see how well it holds up.

[@heather5208]

@@ellieshandcrafted Thank you for all of the feedback! I patina’d some of my copper today, stop bathed then spent a ton of time steel wooling it. Polished with a sunshine cloth and came back and they were already darkening. Ren wax seems to keep it off some, but i havent long term tested it. I definitely understand why some people would have reactions but I have only sold two pieces so far. Thank you again for the information!!!

[@tammymarcum9403]

Can you not reuse the solution

[@tammymarcum9403]

Thank you

[@ellieshandcrafted]

Theoretically, you could use it over and over, but the solution will weaken over time. (Often within 24 hours). So, if you're wanting to be more frugal, I highly recommend batching and darkening multiple pieces at a time. :) Hope that helps!