Anodized Aluminum and Chipping
Question:
Hi there! I love using wire in jewelry-making and I've noticed there are so many lovely colors of soft anodized aluminum wire and copper craft wire around. But what puts me off using them is that they seem to marr and chip really easily. Is there a varnish or lacquer that can be sprayed on finished pieces to protect them?
-Joanna in Cookstown, Ireland
Hi there! I love using wire in jewelry-making and I've noticed there are so many lovely colors of soft anodized aluminum wire and copper craft wire around. But what puts me off using them is that they seem to marr and chip really easily. Is there a varnish or lacquer that can be sprayed on finished pieces to protect them?
-Joanna in Cookstown, Ireland
Instructions
Answer:
Hello Joanna, how lovely is Ireland! I completely understand your frustration my daughter has used anodized aluminum rings in some of her chain maille designs too.
Aluminum is a very soft metal and nearly impossible to harden, so tool marks are bound to happen.
When working with this wire or any colored craft wire, it's important to be firm and confident with each tool movement.
Folding a piece of lint-free material, like cotton t-shirt fabric or a polishing cloth, over the wire while you work can help prevent dents and protect the color coating.
When using colored copper craft wire, some people prefer nylon jaw pliers since their jaws won't nick the wire during sharp bends.
After finishing your piece, you can use nail polish to repair chips and deep scratches.
My favorite protective product is Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray.
For more details, visit: Seashell Jewelry with an Underwater Finish
Just remember to educate your customers about the products you use, and that all protectants are temporary.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Hello Joanna, how lovely is Ireland! I completely understand your frustration my daughter has used anodized aluminum rings in some of her chain maille designs too.
Aluminum is a very soft metal and nearly impossible to harden, so tool marks are bound to happen.
When working with this wire or any colored craft wire, it's important to be firm and confident with each tool movement.
Folding a piece of lint-free material, like cotton t-shirt fabric or a polishing cloth, over the wire while you work can help prevent dents and protect the color coating.
When using colored copper craft wire, some people prefer nylon jaw pliers since their jaws won't nick the wire during sharp bends.
After finishing your piece, you can use nail polish to repair chips and deep scratches.
My favorite protective product is Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray.
For more details, visit: Seashell Jewelry with an Underwater Finish
Just remember to educate your customers about the products you use, and that all protectants are temporary.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
Silver Plated Copper Craft Wire
Enameled Craft Wire
Aluminum Wire
Tools
Economy Nylon Jaw Pliers
G2-25
- G2-25
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $11.97
- Gold Club Price: $8.98
5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws
G2-1
- G2-1
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.97
- Gold Club Price: $7.48
Polishing Cloths - Pack of 4
G9-1
- G9-1
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.97
- Gold Club Price: $2.23
Brilliant Polishing Cloth 12x8 Inches - Pack of 1
G9-64
- G9-64
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $4.57
- Gold Club Price: $3.43
Supply Detail
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Design
Dale Armstrong
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