so today, I thought I’d re-visit an older post about using Liver of Sulfur to give your jewelry pieces an antique look. We’ve been discussing patina’s and finishes around the office the last few days. Some light buffing with #0000 steel wool brought up the color of vintage brass.Daily Wire Jewelry Tip FebruLiver of Sulfur Finish This didn't do much to the sterling silver but the brass turned dark. I dipped only for a few seconds in Gun Blue. I used brass wire and wrapped with sterling silver. The differential reaction to Gun Blue was exploited in my People Earrings (an affectionate couple!) now in my shop. Just a few seconds for copper, brass and bronze but a few minutes or more is needed for sterling silver. Some artisans like to use more dilute LOS solutions so they can obtain the right darkness of patination they want with repeated dunking and rinsing.The trick with Gun Blue is not to dilute but to time the exposure of the metal to it. Most of my LOS supply is going to go off soon and will be next to useless! For people who do not patinate often, Gun Blue is a better alternative as there won't be any waste. Gun Blue is a lot more convenient compared to handling LOS and has no ghastly smell. So I must say I do like the non-violent association with the use of this chemical. No animals or humans were harmed in the experiments with Gun Blue. Two different chemicals entirely! Gardeners do use LOS but in fungicidal sprays. I think they may be confusing potassium sulphide (LOS) with potassium sulphate (fertilizer). Some people actually pour their LOS solution in the garden. Just add more water and pour it down the drain with lots of water from the tap. There is no longer any smell when the jar is opened. After you are done with the LOS solution, leave it around in the closed jar and it will soon go milky white as below. I don't often patinate so I find it better to just make up a fresh solution every time. So if you really want to reuse it, I recommend standing the closed jar in a bowl of hot water (swirl the jar occasionally) to warm it up. I am leery of reheating LOS solutions in the microwave - not good to accidentally bring it to boil. Just make sure you screw on the lid tight and cover the jar with foil like for the Gun Blue. You can reuse the LOS solution for as long as it has that chartreuse color - only a few days at most. The LOS solution I made is a bit murky because my LOS supply is old but it was still workable. Note Many artisans now prefer to work with LOS gel which is stabilized and will last. Solid LOS doesn't last - it decomposes very quickly with time and exposure to the air and light. Anyone who works in a lab would recognize these two tips. Glass containers are better than plastic as there may be interaction with the plastic. The foil will keep light out and lengthen its useful life. Just keep the Gun Blue stored in a safe place wrapped in foil until the next time you use it. The gas disperses very quickly in larger spaces.ĭispose of the rinse water down the drain with lots of water. I didn't fancy working with liver of sulfur outdoors in the middle of winter so I used it carefully in my workroom which is a fair size room ie not a closet. I may be a retired scientist but it doesn't mean I can't still do some experiments! Intrigued, I decided to check out the reaction with different jewelry metals. The instructor happened to mention Gun Blue does not work with sterling silver. There are other nasty compounds around the house we have to be careful about too - bleach and ammonia, another noxious gas, are two examples. Before you freak out, keep things in perspective. Keep safely stored away from children and pets. When the solid form is mixed with water, a smelly gas (like rotten eggs) called hydrogen sulfide is released.The gas is poisonous in large amounts so it should be used with adequate ventilation.Īlso be careful not to get either solution on your skin. Liver of sulfur is mostly potassium sulphide. It also contains selenium dioxide and hydrochloric acid. Gun Blue just happens to be a convenient copper sulphate solution. (If you are going for the boiled eggs method - remember whole eggs or whites. Otherwise check the useful links below for some of the dozens of "recipes" and alternatives. You can also order it online like this brand, Birchwood Casey PSP Gun Blue For Canadians, the hunting section of Canadian Tire will have it. Gun Blue may not be easily available in countries with strict gun control. Gun Blue is used for "bluing" - anti-rust touch up on the finish of guns.
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