How To Patina with Liver of Sulfur (LOS)

Order wire and tools and supplies on my website: www.makingitea...
In this video I show you how to use liver of sulfur (LOS) gel. It's a super easy process and a must for antiquing copper and sterling silver. Also known as patina gel, this is the best product. Stay away from the expensive lump form as it is unstable and goes bad easily.
I normally do this at the sink and keep various sizes of containers dedicated to liver of sulfur.
You will want to use hot tap water to mix with your LOS but cooler water gives you good control over the intensity of the patina but it takes longer to process. I personally prefer a rich, deep warm brown over black (which is messy and really hard to remove out of nooks and crannies).
If you have sensitivities to sulfur or scents, you will want to use this in a well ventilated area. Research your questions about the product Online.
Thanks so much for watching and for your support.
Peace

[@thelmawatts1346]

I have to say watching your tutorials has given me a little more confidence to try new and different things besides stringing jewelry. Thanks!!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Thelma Watts That's what I like to hear Thelma. I'm not much of a stringer (it does have it's place) and I'm happy to hear I am helping you spread your wings. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jacquiefrancis6683]

Hi Liz. I’m totally new to jewellery making. I love your videos. Really helpful to me. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach folk like me xx

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Thank you Jacquie ❤

[@ravengo5881]

Thank you for you tutorial. I am new to Wire Wrapping. as apresent I was gived a gift of 200 ft of copper wire. When I saw your video it opened me up to many ideas.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Raven Go And so the obsession begins, lol. Thank you Raven, have fun.

[@tammygurl64]

Thank you for sharing. I made your double coil bracelet and was debating using LOS. I don't care for the deep dark black patina but I really like how yours turned out (softer/warm and not so harsh). Also thanks for the disposal tips. I'll have to research sulfer-loving plants! Cheers! 😃

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Thank you Tammy.

[@victoriaharrison-sewell6717]

Thank you so much for this informative video. I found it very useful. I am a total beginner @ wire-wrapping, & new to the liver of sulphur patina treatment also. Will feel more confident doing this now..

[@darcylass]

Hey Liz, thanks for such amazing tutorials and design! You have inspired me to try wire jewelry. You have such a great way of explaining each project in a very approachable way. Keep up the good work!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

darcylass Thank you so much! That really makes me feel good to know I am doing a good job. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave your kind comment.

[@mycupoftea12]

I am so grateful to be learning so information from you. I'm not in business, however, I ended on a limited income and making nice pieces of jewelry for my daughters and granddaughters has saved me money!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+mycupoftea12 I am grateful to have you in my circle. Thanks so much for watching and for your support.

[@laurielane4740]

You are the BOOM! You make everything look so simple. I am excited and will be trying to duplicate some of your designs with my own twist. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Laurie Lane Thank you so much Laurie!

[@trudybradt6413]

Thank you Liz for the great tutorials and I too love the look that los gives the copper. I love your designs and I can't wait to try some of these rings! :)

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hi Trudy, thank you so much for watching and showing your support. I love your enthusiasm.

[@ludouglas1]

I loved this Liz. you explain very well and the camera work is perfect for viewing. thanks again. LU

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Linda Douglas I really appreciate that Linda, thanks so much.

[@GypsyChele]

Hi Liz !! Great DIY on LOS ! I've been putting off getting any cause I thought it would be much more of a hassle to use it then this ! Thank you , as always another Well detailed DIY !! Hug tight with Love to you !

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hippie Hugs with Love Michele Thanks so much my friend for your honesty and encouragement. XOXO

[@GypsyChele]

Making It Easy with Liz Hugs tight (((Liz)))

[@nyperi13]

Thank you very much -- this is exactly what I was looking for! 😘

[@michelehartman3494]

I'm not sure if you will see this, Liz, but I love what you teach with wire jewerly! I'm wondering if you can show how to make this other ring that you show how to patina. It doesn't have the spiral. I've tried to figure out out, but I'd rather be able to do it well more than once.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4fEhKmma6mpq80. It's a rendition of the ring in the link. I probably only made enough of a twist to keep it together, then wrapped the wires around the top, covering the twist. Hope you figure it out.

[@michelehartman3494]

Thank you! I've made one I really like (for myself)... and it's been noticed a few times! Very pretty!

[@maureenm1462]

Great video

[@chriscaine7689]

Love that ring its awesome, thankyou from the UK

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Chris Caine Thank you...from Nova Scotia lol

[@rohiniunnikrishnan7062]

Love ur jewelry designs ... Beautiful

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Rohini Unnikrishnan Thank you so much Rohini, that made my day.

[@marybaum9756]

thanks for this video, I was wondering how to patina.

[@brookspa94]

Hey Liz! Another GREAT video! THANK YOU again, for sharing your time & knowledge! A WONDERFUL idea, for just 1 small piece, without waist. If u have any suggestions for "sealing" your pieces to prevent further tarnishing &/or "rub off", I would GREATLY APPRECIATE hearing them! Peace 2 YOU too!😊

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Thank you AmyLee. My suggestion for tarnishing is always the same... put into a sealed bag or container when not wearing. It's the sulphur in the air that tarnishes copper and silver.

[@newhebrewrib]

Liz your the best!!

[@myrnaroman9611]

Am use baking soda for stop the the reaction of the liver sulfur!

[@CraftyComeLately]

This is really cool and thanks so much for the tutorial :)

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Crafty Come Lately You are welcome, and thank you for watching.

[@kermel77]

Hello, I have try the liver of sulphur like you but my copper is same as before. The color stay the same. Do you know why ? I do not understand...

[@gregsmith7821]

I just tried it on pewter, trying to turn it dark and black. After two hours it had gone a grainy pale gray, so I gave up.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Yes, failures have value and are great learning experiences...

[@prami2]

WOW!! u r amazing! they look beautiful! that u for sharing your knowledge to us! by the way, can u tell me where i can find that "Liver of Sulful" plz???

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+prami knowles Thank you so much Prami for watching my channel. I sell the liver of sulfur on my websites which have been under construction forever but I believe you can still order it on www.makingiteasywithliz.com even though it says "under construction" and some kinks need to be worked out. My other site is www.craftrends.ca that I hope to have up and running next week.

[@ГалинаБ-к6е]

Yhank You so much !!! 🌸

[@barbaraspehar2785]

Hi Liz! Love your videos. Here's a silly question. Can you patina tarnish resistant copper? I'm getting a ring mandrel for my birthday - yay! And I'm going to make some of your rings ❤️.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Barbara Spehar Hi Barbara Thank you so much. When you patina, you are tarnishing the metal so anything anti-tarnish has a coating and will not take the patina. FYI craft wire that is plated or enameled makes disposable fun rings. sooner than later the plating will rub off so for lasting beauty, use pure copper, sterling, brass, etc.

[@joyceeagle5402]

I guess you can’t do this to tarnish resistant copper wire right?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

That's correct. It has a clear coating that makes it tarnish resistant.

[@charleneionta7777]

Hi Charlene from Fl

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hi, I love Florida❤️

[@lynng3421]

Will this rub off onto. Clothing? Example: if they wear white tee with long copper necklace and pendant?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

The black stays in the recessed spaces and the exposed surfaces are polished. I never had a problem. You could spray a sealer on it.

[@carmenstine6567]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

You're welcome and thank you for watching.

[@diegooland1261]

Oh that's so cool. Sold, I need to get some of that stuff. Can I patina some wire wrapped sea glass or do I need to patina the wire first, then wrap?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Thank you so much, Diego. You can patina either way. I like to do my wire first when there will be lots of layering, buffing between layers. When you have a lot of layers, then patina, it's difficult to buff off in those tight spaces.

[@SunshineLeclair]

thanks so much for sharing!

[@mult1coloured]

So am I right in thinking that the longer I leave the cooper in LOS the darker it'll be ? I'm aiming for black!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Yes, it will get blacker. I'm not a fan of it. I like a dark warm brown. Play with it and see what you like.

[@whatthe2135]

Hi Liz...I had read somewhere that after you finish with the patina that you should coat the jewelry piece with Polyurethane? Is that correct? Also, if you want to just leave the jewelry the original copper, does the piece need to be coated with the Polyurethane as well? thank you!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Teresa Siuda Hi Teresa. Yes, if you want to preserve the original color of the copper or the finished antiqued color, you need to coat it. A light spray of lacquer for metal works, don't overdo it. You can choose satin or glossy finish. FYI it is the sulfur in the air that makes copper tarnish and also sterling silver (contains copper usually). Thanks so much for watching.

[@whatthe2135]

Thank you for the info :)

[@sharingthebounty2488]

So, do you place a piece in to antique the wire, once it's already wrapped around a stone? Can the LOS damage the stone?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

If it is a hard stone, it won't hurt it. Avoid soft porous stones like turquoise and howlite. You can pre-antique your wire prior to working with it if you are unsure. Thanks so much for watching ❤

[@chandreaanderson1]

Can you do this process with the stones?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Most hard stones are unaffected. DO NOT use on chalky stones like turquoise or howlite. You can pre-patina your wire, make your ring with the stone and then buff it.

[@anitacannon649]

Really enjoy your videos, you are great and your work is amazing. I have one question... if i were to use other elements like beads on the wire.. i couldn't dip the LOS after with other materials on it? So could i do the LOS process with the wire before i make something out of it? Thanks x

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Anita Cannon Thank you Anita for watching and your kind feedback. LOS will not harm beads except for soft stones like turquoise which is chalk really. Glass and hard stone beads are not affected (in my experience). I would be careful with pearls but it is doable. Definitely you can pre-antique your wire. I always have stock of different gauges on hand for that very reason or if I want to polish off the tarnish between layers of wire in a project.

[@mmsCreativeshop]

Hello Liz! THank you so much for making these super easy to follow tutorials. Question: I have tried wrapping my pliers with tape to soften and avoid dents in the wire but I still find i am leaving marks...any suggestions?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Melissa Scott Thank you Melissa for your support. Experience and confidence makes a difference but you will always have a little marring...it's handmade. You could try painters masking tape on the jaws. Also file the sharp edges a bit with an emory board.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Hi, I have a copper bowl to try and darken. Can you spray LOS from a spray bottle?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Al I can say is give it a try 😁

[@donitafichter8298]

I’m still new at this….never used LOS but wondering whether or not the finished and polished with steel wool patina comes off on your skin or clothing?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

I haven't had a problem.

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!💙

[@whatthe2135]

Liz...what about copper rings with stones already wire wrapped? Will the LOS damage the stones? Thank you!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hard stones, glass beads are not affected. If you are in doubt, pre-antique you wire first.

[@wendym2987]

Hi Liz...Great video but looking at your answers to some of the comments, I am confused! In one answer, you say you need to coat it with lacquer to preserve the finished antique color but in another answer, you say you don't have to. Can you please clarify? Thank you :-)

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Wendy Murrell Hi Wendy, it's a preference. The question was to preserve the original bright copper color which would need to be sealed so it won't tarnish. if you like the patina, don't coat it and buff it when needed.

[@wendym2987]

Making It Easy with Liz Thank you for your reply. It was your reply to Teresa that confused me. You said if you want to preserve the original copper color or the antiqued finish, you need to coat it. What do you mean by "antiqued finish"? Is that different to patina finish?

[@anikaleigh3918]

thank you so much for this video!! can you answer for me; if the artificial patina comes off so easily with light steal wool, how does it not scratch off with wear? are anymore steps needed to seal it in? thank you!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hi Nika The patina is actually tarnish which is what copper does naturally. It's the sulfur in the air that causes it to tarnish...you are just making it happen quicker with the liver of sulfur. It will always stay dark in the recessed areas.

[@LimaLima-bl4gs]

I like it very much

[@conniewright1113]

Hi, Thank you for your videos. I just tried this process for the first time. My wire in the weave did not patina. The top swirls did. I was wondering what I may have done wrong.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

connie wright Is all your wire bare, no coating? Maybe you need a stinger solution or leave it in longer.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

stronger solution.

[@conniewright1113]

Thanks, All my items were in same solution. They all worked except for the weave. I did not pay attention, to see if weaving wire is coated.

[@dawnharrison9523]

Hello Liz. Thank you for the video tutorial. Up to now I've been afraid to try liver of sulfer on a piece that takes me hours to create. I purchased the exact brand that you suggest in your video and watched your video as I did the patina on a wire wrapped cabochon. I got a really odd effect. The larger copper frame I used 18g turned black and the 26g wrap turned a really beautiful brown. Is this the norm when using two different gauge wires?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hi Dawn Thank you for watching. Yes you can get different effects. Could be the temp of the water, the quality of your wire, etc. What you can do is buff the black off and put back in to darken the rest.

[@gracebrunelle1]

Thanks Liz!!! Could you do a video on how to make firework gifts when you do not know the recipients size, say a bracelet s closure that is Latinas but can fit a variety of wrists? I really also liked your pillowcase idea! Bless you, grace

[@dalejackson6867]

Grace Brunelle masks

[@julianar90]

Hi Liz, love your work. Does the skin turn after this process?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Engnr J Hi Engnr, thanks so much for watching. That is a very good question. In my case, wearing lots of copper jewelry, I will say "no". I never turn green or have any kind of a reaction to it (my pierced ears may have dark residue that rubs right off). That being said, everyone is different and depending on their system (too much acid, etc) will determine any reactions to the metal. You could put on a metal sealer or lacquer if you like.

[@julianar90]

Okay Liz. Thanks so much for the information. Really appreciate it. Continue to do the good work. ;)

[@ImGinaMarie]

Great tutorial thank you! I have a few questions, 1. Where is a good place to get non-craft wire and 2. Where do you find LOS?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Ginmars1 Thank you so much for watching. I will have my site up and running in a couple of days and I sell the LOS and bare copper wire, which I assume you mean by non-craft wire. My site is www.makingiteasywithliz.com

[@ImGinaMarie]

You can't use LOS on craftwire from hobby stores because it is coated to not tarnish therefore you must use bare copper wire instead. Also another method of tarnishing is to use crushed boiled eggs in a baggy and set items to be tarnished on a dish in the sealed baggy with the eggs over night. It takes longer but if you're going to have a salad anyway....lol. Love your videos and techniques!!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Ginmars1 You are correct. Only bare copper and sterling silver react well to LOS. it says it works on brass but I don't care for the results. The egg works too in a pinch but I wouldn't eat it after LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@ImGinaMarie]

:-) Thanks Liz!! Keep up the great work!! Love your enthusiasm its contagious!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Ginmars1 Thank you! You are sweet.

[@gabriellalaki9759]

Hello Liz, Thank you for all your video tutorials. Your designs are gorgeous. I am grateful for your unisex bracelet/ necklace tutorial. 14 gauge wire? It is impossible to get here. As a matter of fact everything is hard to get locally so have to order from the U.K. /US. Do you have a video tutorial on the ring and bracelets -especially the ring what you are wearing and working on in the above (how to patina with LOS) video?. I would really like to learn how to make it. Best regards, Gabriella

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Hi Gab Thank you for watching. I sell 14g wire on my website www.makingiteasywithliz.com The ring and bracelet tutorials are called "Boho Chic" on my channel.

[@gabriellalaki9759]

+Making It Easy with Liz , Hi Liz, Thank you for your speedy reply. I will order from your Web-Site -last time when I was going to do it,--I didn't succeed. I'll try again. -I am a beginner with wire-work. -I follow your tutorials and make ALL the things accordingly. I did the unisex necklace for myself and would like to do the bracelet for my husband after ordering the wire etc. Best , Gab

[@anitamitchell6434]

After you do this, what do you seal your pieces with? A sealant of some sort?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

That's a great question. I normally don't seal them and just polish them now and then. I store them sealed in a ziplock bag.

[@mult1coloured]

Some folks use Renaissance wax :)

[@samanthapizano7729]

I cannot make this work on my soldering work. What should I do?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

I really have no idea. I would Google it.

[@autumn8034]

Where can you buy the patten

[@makingiteasywithliz]

There isn't one...it's from my head lol.

[@cheddoa7052]

Can you please tell me how to achieve a more rich orange/brown color with LOS? All my pieces come out looking like the original copper color as when I started when I'm done polishing?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Try dipping your piece in either a very weak or cold LOS solution after polishing. Dip, rinse, dip rinse... Thanks for watching

[@majawow]

Is it safe to dip a wire jewerly piece with gemstones?

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Yes...any non-porous stones are fine. I would not use it with turquoise and use a very weak solution with pearls if you dare. I would pre-antique the wire first then make your piece then Polish it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@majawow]

Thank you so much for the reply, your work is wonderful and inspirational

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+majawow Thanks so much!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

Purchase liver of sulfur from my website www.makingiteasywithliz.com