Using Liver of Sulfur to Patina / Antique / Oxidize Jewelry - Beginner Friendly Tutorial

Learn how to use liver of sulfur (LOS) gel to patina jewelry for that lovely, antiqued look - with useful info and tips for beginners along the way.
Links:
Liver of Sulfur Gel: amzn.to/31Nnyg1
Polishing pads: amzn.to/2Z4Ji4Z
Extra fine steel wool: amzn.to/2TBJW8U
Midas Black Max: www.riogrande.com/product/Mid...
Note on Stones and Beads:
From cooltools.us: "All cubic zirconia, lab and glass stones are unharmed by liver of sulfur. Any natural gemstone that can be fired in place is safe in liver of sulfur. Do not allow liver of sulfur to contact turquoise, lapis, shells, pearls or other soft stones as they can be permanently stained. Set these types of stones after all patination is complete."
Stones that can be fired in place (and are thus safe to immerse in LOS): amcaw.org/learning-center/set...
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/FantasiaEle...
Facebook: / fantasia-elegance-1874...
Instagram: @fantasia.elegance ( / fantasia.elegance )
Thanks for watching, and happy crafting!
Music:
“Prelude No. 3” by Chris Zabriskie
freemusicarchive.org/music/Chr...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
“Prelude No. 23” by Chris Zabriskie freemusicarchive.org/music/Chr...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
No modifications made to music track: excerpt only.
**Note: I may receive some compensation from purchases made through Amazon affiliate links. Product prices will be the same for you either way!

[@kuivienen1]

The hummingbird is so beautiful!

[@lorihogue5015]

You've just cured me of my fear of liver of sulphur! My wire wrapped pieces will move to the next level. Thank you 💕

[@gloriagray6494]

Yes please. Both pieces would be lovely. Always find your tutorials so helpful.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Gloria! :)

[@melissastaley1128]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Just starting out with wire. Your time is very much appreciated. Have a great weekend!

[@yvonnebrasgalla4385]

Yes, please, by all means - do tutorials on both projects. Would love it! 😇🤗

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks for watching, Yvonne! I've just posted the earrings tutorial here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I Stay tuned for the others!

[@Zero_8347]

Thanks for the upload! My copper came out beautifully

[@nicolejackson1781]

Yes!! Please do a video on how you made the hummingbird!! So beautiful!!

[@ClockWerkOrange]

Very informative. I saw a KZbin lesson on how to antique an Aztec silver coin. Thank you for more information and options on how to do this process!

[@janetveon4951]

jewelry is beautiful!!

[@teresasmoot-moorer5314]

Thank you, very helpful tutorial...

[@darsmith3448]

Hello! I found your channel last year when I began working with wire wrapping. As I have been learning everything from beading, to polymer clay, to acrylics and resin, and on to tumblers, I am now learning to wire wrap. I really do like your tutorials. Thank you for helping us beginners! I LOVE the anchor. I saw it in another of your tutorials. I have not seen it in your playlist, but I may have missed it. More often than not I am unable to comment. Once I get past my "binge watching", I will have an option for a keyboard and will be more than happy to comment. Thank you so much! Oh, I have ordered through your Amazon link. When I get to purchasing higher end wire, I will be using your recommendation for Rio Grande. I have checked them out and like them very much! I hope you and yours are well and taking care. Blessings and Re Jouir -Darlene

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Darlene! I'm thrilled you're enjoying my videos so much :) I haven't actually done a tutorial on the anchor yet, but I'm planning to very soon, so stay tuned ;) Blessings!

[@jude1515]

Good video. The jewelry you created is beautiful.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thank you so much

[@sharonfate8511]

Great presentation. Thank you!

[@maskedmurider]

Very useful video! Thank you!

[@patmclucas3347]

Definitely want and need to see. Thanks much!

[@hunterfrith9325]

Superior video. Thanks for mastering your craft and sharing with us. ( :

[@Richiedei50]

Very interesting, thank you. Personally I would be interested in all the new tutorials you mentioned. 🤗

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Maureen! I've just posted the earrings tutorial here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I Stay tuned for the others!

[@maryellington2268]

Hey there do l just dump my jewelry in this stuff

[@Richiedei50]

@@maryellington2268That’s what the tutorial says. If you wanted to see if you liked the patina finish, before investing in the gel, you could always try putting the jewellery in a closed dish with a hot hard boiled egg cut in half or quarters. Not as effective if you want it really dark I believe but you could try.🥰

[@kellyweber627]

Thank you for this helpful tip for using liver of sulfur 😊👍

[@FantasiaElegance]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@tracydycer7274]

OMG, I would love to see the hummingbird tutorial. It's absolutely beautiful and I adore hummingbirds.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Tracy!! I'm hoping to make that one soon, actually :)

[@sharonrowland904]

OH I AM DEFINITELY ABSOLUTELY INTERESTED IN A TUTORIAL ON BOTH PROJECTS MISS. FANTASIA ELEGANCE PLEASE MA'AM, THX,FOR SHARING.🖒🖒🖒🖒

[@shelleybraham]

Thank you for sharing this information. You explained it so clear for me, the beginner. LOL

[@NosferatusLair]

Thanks for a great tutorial

[@benambadshahkpk9572]

Yes i would like to learn about aluminum methods also, thank you so much for this idea 💡 💡 💡 💡

[@linda7999]

Thank for the great info!

[@pegasis12000]

yes! Tutorials!

[@moniquesmith5501]

Thanks great info

[@jwon5614]

Both pieces would be great tutorials!!!

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks!! I've just posted the earrings tutorial here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I Stay tuned for the others!

[@andreagibson7099]

YES MA'AM SHOW US BOTH PS THAT HUMMING BIRD IS BEAUTIFUL

[@edithkurashige1483]

Thanks so much, so good information.

[@FantasiaElegance]

So glad it was helpful!

[@karenmoore5278]

Yes would love to see tutorial on the pieces you showed in your video.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Karen! I've just posted the earrings tutorial here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I Stay tuned for the others!

[@popaki9484]

You are awesome!!!

[@christyg223]

Love the hoop earrings and would really like to see a tutorial on them. Thanks for this tutorial I just got some bare copper wire and want to patina it so this came at just the right time for me.

[@FantasiaElegance]

So glad the video was helpful for you!!

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hey Christy! I just finished and posted a tutorial on those hoop earrings you were interested in :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I

[@cinwes1963]

Thanks for helping I've been wanting and hoping that I could find someone to put out a video on this so thank you so very much. And I would love to see you show us how you made both the earrings and the pendant they are beautiful. I truly appreciate how you explain everything on how you make your jewelry and what we will need to make it your awesome thank you and god bless

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! I've done a tutorial on the hummingbird pendant here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goa8l6R_fpmHibc and the earrings here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I

[@maudale]

Thank you for sharing, would you say it could work on gold aluminium embossing sheets? Thank you

[@clairecompany5146]

Thank you for sharing this! I'd love to see the tutorial for the hummingbird please! 🐦

[@FantasiaElegance]

Here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/goa8l6R_fpmHibc

[@ethereal369]

I've worked with patinas & oxides on metals for years. I love this LOS gel. The gel formula seems to be more stable & lasts longer than other forms, I've found. It also works well on silver plated copper items with really cool results- just make sure the water is hot. It goes through a rapid change of purple-blue-green colors before reaching the black/bronze color. If you halt the process & neutralize it while in this stage, it will stay colored but needs to be sealed with a spray acrylic to protect it. Another fun way to experiment with sulfur is to put silver or silver plated items in a zip lock baggie with crushed up hard boiled eggs. The yolk contains plenty of suffer (it's what gives the smell to hard boiled eggs). Just seal the bag after squeezing out any air & leave it for at least 12 hours. Check on the progression of patina every few hours or so. Remove when desired color is achieved & rinse in water, then in a mix of baking soda and water. The results are really cool and it's a fun way to get an unusual pattern of patina.

[@SusanRoseArt]

Thank you! X

[@christietravelute3957]

I would love a video on how to make the anchor!

[@patmclucas3347]

Really interested.

[@patmclucas3347]

Will do on my tree of life ornaments.

[@xfalcon01x]

Is their any way to keep it looking as black as it did before polishing?

[@jude1515]

Can you spray the finished piece with an acrylic sealer?

[@acdyman]

Does liver of sulfur work on items that have been eletroplated?

[@mjremy2605]

Very well explained and very responsibly too, with eco and safety in mind. That was excellent! Thank you! I wonder if I can selectively paint with this product to make black etchings on copper or silver. Anyone tried it?

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thank you so much, MJ!! Liver of Sulfur won't etch the metal, it just changes the color of the surface. You could certainly use it to selectively antique the areas you paint, but just bear in mind that if you don't seal the piece it will all turn the same dark color over time. Great idea!

[@anniethompson8720]

I would be so interested in a tutorial on those earrings...thankyou.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Annie! You can find the tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I

[@UnderThePalm-fz9fk]

Hello, please tell me, is it possible to wash products in an ultrasonic cleaner after blackening with this solution, the blackness is not washed off?

[@robertahubert9155]

Can you treat the wire before using it so that the beads are not effected?

[@msualum1988]

Very informative - thank you! Just FYI that the link for the list of stones that can/can’t be patina’ed doesn’t work anymore.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks, Kim! I found a new link and updated it :)

[@AvengeBasketball]

If u don’t scrub it will it remain black and will the black rub off?

[@karenraabis5296]

Yes

[@cynthiafolsom1082]

I’d love to see tutorial on the hummingbird

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks Cynthia! You can view that tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goa8l6R_fpmHibc

[@wildorchid4088]

Is it safe to dip Swarovski stone into patina?

[@mariadellvalle]

Fantasia E podrías poner ves en español??? Soy tu seguidora _adorobtus trabajos y aprendo mucho gracias!!!

[@JayDub_143]

Oh PLEASE do a video on the hummingbird!!! I absolutely love that pendant. My beloved gram (she really was and will always be my world and I miss her terribly) loved hummingbirds and butterflies so I find myself drawn to them as well. I would love to try and create a hummingbird pendant to keep her close to my heart. I dont think it will ever be as beautiful as yours though. Will you be selling that piece?

[@FantasiaElegance]

Aw, I actually designed that hummingbird pendant for my own grandmother (the copper one was to practice, then I made a sterling one for her). I will definitely do a tutorial on it eventually :) It is indeed for sale! www.etsy.com/listing/706483392/hummingbird-pendant-necklace-copper-wire?ga_search_query=hummingbird&ref=shop_items_search_2&frs=1 Thanks so much for watching and commenting

[@terrieobrien7585]

I’m interested in the hummingbird tutorial

[@Msdriftwood]

First I absolutely love your videos! I bought the liver of sulfur and tried it but most of my pieces must have been made with tarnish resistant wire so I got very poor results. What kind of wire so you use? Where can I buy it? Thanks so much.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Sorry to hear that!! Yes, many craft wires are coated and thus will not oxidize well. I like to use copper wire (look for "raw" or "uncoated") as well as 1/10 silver-filled and sterling silver. I find that RioGrande.com has the best prices and availability on wires (still waiting for that sponsorship, lol)

[@gypsyfowler2777]

Thank you for your time and your extremely helpful tutorial! It turned out beautifully! I had a question though. It might just be my screen, but the copper earrings looked like they turned out more Antique silver finished than Antique copper finished? Am I right on that? I'm interested in doing both finishes, as well as the green patina finish. Can you do a tutorial on how to get an antique copper look from the Red Copper metal? You make things very easy to understand and give excellent details without being overwhelming! Thank you!! 😁

[@gypsyfowler2777]

I want to add though that if these are the same ones that are in your Etsy shop, then it was just my screen showing them as Antique copper during the video. The ones in your Etsy shop are exactly the Antique copper finish I'm looking for!! 🤦😁

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks so much for watching! I think they probably look that way because they are fresh polished. Antiqued copper looks more silvery on the raised bits right after you polish it, but then the reddish hue comes back after a day or two. They are the same ones in my shop, so it's also possible the video or your screen changed the color a bit :)

[@judycarnes3645]

I’m interested in the pattern for the earrings.

[@Eostrelifesolution]

Interested in tutorials for the pieces

[@juliecalhoun9279]

Hi Jocelyn! Quick question regarding removing the patina with steel wool or a steel brush.... Since steel is harder than copper (or silver), don't those harsh removal methods actually put fine scratches in your pieces, rather than polishing them back to shiny like the polishing pads do? I LOVE your tutorials, by the way.... just binge watched quite a few! 😂 Keep up the great work, and thanks again for sharing all your knowledge and experience!

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hi Julie! You're right, they can add a more matte finish to the metal. Some people like that, but if you don't you can either burnish it or tumble afterwards to restore the shiny finish. Thanks for the kind words!

[@oilburner225]

I've been using the same Liver of Sulphur that you are using but the results are poor to say the least. Would the room temperature affect the liver of Suphur? My workshop doesn't go much above 6c this time of the year.

[@FantasiaElegance]

Sorry to hear that! When you say the results are poor, do you mean the patina is spotty? Or does it not get the dark color you want? If the patina is spotty, that can be because the piece isn't completely clean before you begin. If it's not getting dark enough, that could be from older LoS, or water temperature that's too cool. I don't think the room temperature should affect it, as long as your LoS water solution is near boiling.

[@teameno3448]

hello i don't speak english very well so i didn't understand everything what baking soda is for and what you rubbed with after thank you avavnce

[@FantasiaElegance]

Sure! The baking soda neutralizes the liver of sulfur, so that the metal stops getting darker. I rubbed it with the polishing pads afterwards to highlight the raised portions of the metal. I have a list of the exact materials and tools I used in the video description section. To see it, you may need to click "show more" on a computer, or the little gray triangle/arrow to the right of the video's title on a smartphone.

[@maplehedgehog789]

Can i put a Tiger Eye stone sterling silver ring in LOS? I've seen different Mohs ratings on Tiger Eye online and cant seem to find anywhere that would tell me if it's ok or not. Please help if you can

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hi Maple! I haven't personally done tiger's eye, but it is in the quartz family, so I think it should be safe for liver of sulfur. You could always try painting a bit of the liver of sulfur solution on the back of the stone, first, to test it out.

[@brinconard1714]

A question: Do you ever patina wire on its own, so as to get the darker colour but still be able to use pearls or porous stones in the piece? I wonder if you could polish carefully afterward and still get some contrast between light and dark...? (By the way, both tutorials would be wonderful.)

[@FantasiaElegance]

Absolutely! I actually have some coils of all the gauges I use most frequently pre-patinad to use for pieces where I'm going to use pearls, etc. However, the patina rubs off and leaves dark streaks on your hands while you're working with it, and it can feel kind of nasty from a sensory perspective because the texture of the wire surface is different. So I usually wear disposable nitrile gloves to make the piece when I'm doing it that way.

[@brinconard1714]

Thank you so much for the inspiration! I am really looking forward to experimenting with this (my liver of sulfur is currently in the mail...)

[@oniapleasants4787]

Both please 🙏

[@cindyyeoman8920]

What is the name of the polishing pad? And where to get? Thanks

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hi, Cindy! There's a link for the polishing pads (and everything else mentioned in the video) in the video's description section; on computers you might need to scroll down below the video and click "show more." On smartphones, you might need to click the little gray arrow/triangle directly to the right of the video's title.

[@marshallkohlhaas80]

cute thumbs!

[@FantasiaElegance]

Aw, thanks! Usually the comments I get about them are much less nice XD

[@lady4775]

Yes make a tutorial how to do the earrings

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hey Aysha! I just finished and posted a tutorial on those hoop earrings you were interested in :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV7ImZljqdanZ5I

[@cbaynes6681]

Earring tutorial please.

[@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...

[@FantasiaElegance]

It could be your water wasn't hot enough, your LOS is too old, or you didn't leave the copper in long enough. Or maybe you have a coated copper wire with a clear coat that prevents the LOS from reaching the metal?

[@kermel77]

God, I feel so stupid... I hadn't looked. There is indeed an anti-tarnish treatment on the copper that I bought... Sorry for my stupid question... Thanks for your help .@@FantasiaElegance

[@FantasiaElegance]

No worries, good to know your anti-tarnish coating works! ;D@@kermel77

[@MrPentol88]

Thats grey or black?

[@gliderjewels]

Can you patina things like tongue piercings etc that will be in your mouth?

[@FantasiaElegance]

Hm, I wouldn't recommend it. The LoS bottle has all kinds of warnings about ingesting it.

[@pilarcliment5906]

Hi, how can I lightly darken a large brass plate with an even effect. ( with no stains) Thanks

[@antonellaleo86]

Where can I find raw/untreated copper wire?

[@FantasiaElegance]

I buy my raw copper wire from RioGrande.com. They sell it in both 4 oz (item #132453) and 1 lb spools (item #132320). You may need to create an account with them to see items/prices.

[@antonellaleo86]

@@FantasiaElegance thank you :)

[@patman0250]

Once I noticed your thumbs I could not unsee them. I am unable to look away now.

[@tylerporter9353]

Jesus christ, Megan fox has those thumbs, they arent a big deal. You dont have to comment on ppls body parts, its rude and cowardly to say it behind a keyboard.

[@DanielHurley432]

Oh my god, is that a "thumb"?

[@sgtkah07211]

Very good video but your pronunciation of patina leaves something to be desired. Try pa tē’ na. Thanks again for the video!

[@FantasiaElegance]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Kenneth! According to Merriam Webster, both pə-ˈtē-nə and ˈpa-tə-nə are accepted pronunciations of the word ( www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patina )

[@PhantomHelix]

never once heard it pronounced that way

[@fiona4450]

Lovely tutorial, but it really bothers me that you keep mispronouncing patina. It's puh-TEE-na, not PAT-ina.

[@FantasiaElegance]

You got me curious, because I've heard it both ways. So I checked Merriam Webster and they actually have both pronunciations listed! www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patina Of course, I also pronounce "lawyer" wrong (according to my husband).

[@Richiedei50]

I also pronounce it pátina but also pronounce the “T” more. I’m sure this is just a regional thing. My relatives in England pronounce Ikea eye-kaya, but we (in Italy) pronounce it Ikea (as in inuendo).

[@MominMesquite]

PA-tina not pat-ina!

[@FantasiaElegance]

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patina?

[@kcgp2572]

Thank you.

[@Nrscathy60]

Its pronounced pa-teen-a. Patina. Just so you know.

[@rogerp841]

I came to see this product, but I end up staring at those thumbs. 😳