Daily Wire Tip Feb. 14: Keep Copper Wire Shining

By on February 13, 2011
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
February 14, 2011

Question:

What can I use on copper wire to prevent it from oxidizing? I really would love to get your response.

-Deidre in New Franken, Wisconsin

Answer:

Hi Deidre, I do get this question a lot, and we have had several discussions on how to keep copper from oxidizing. All of the solutions are temporary; some work better for some wearers than others due to skin chemicals and some don’t work for long at all.

To read these and hopefully find your answer, please see: Prevent Tarnish on Copper and Nickel Silver and Protect Copper from Tarnishing.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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3 Comments

  1. avatar

    Alan Taylor

    February 14, 2011 at 11:50 am

    I prefer to work in copper BECAUSE of the way it tarnishes. No 2 pieces color the same way so it adds a unique warmth to the piece. I keep it in mind when I choose stones, because tarnished copper seems to set them off better than polished copper. I consider it a selling point.

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      February 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm

      Nice observations Alan, thanks! Using copper is a down-to-earth way to make lovely wire jewelry designs.

  2. avatar

    Daniella

    October 4, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    I did the lemon juice/salt dip and it really cleaned up the copper, I got bold and dipped the stone as it had the wire wrapping already on it and it got tarnished. Stone is OK and the copper is gleaming, and then I dried them and dipped them in a bath of Mop N’ Glo. Theyu dried out and look great. Thanks for all the wonderful tips!!