Patina Silver-Plated Wire
Question:
Dale, can you antique or patina silver plated wire? Thanks.
-Linda in Castle Rock, Colorado
Dale, can you antique or patina silver plated wire? Thanks.
-Linda in Castle Rock, Colorado
Instructions
Answer:
Great advice! The point about silver-plated wire often having an anti-tarnish coating is so important many people don't realize that Liver of Sulfur won't work effectively unless that coating is removed first. And yes, the plating on most silver-plated wires is thin enough that tumbling or even gentle sanding can easily wear it off, which can ruin the finish.
Experimenting on small scraps first is definitely the way to go; it saves you from potentially wasting good wire and lets you dial in the exact look you want. Plus, keeping detailed notes of your process is a pro move it makes recreating or adjusting your patina much easier down the line.
Are you thinking of using LOS for a particular project? Or maybe trying out other patinas or finishes on plated or solid metals?
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Great advice! The point about silver-plated wire often having an anti-tarnish coating is so important many people don't realize that Liver of Sulfur won't work effectively unless that coating is removed first. And yes, the plating on most silver-plated wires is thin enough that tumbling or even gentle sanding can easily wear it off, which can ruin the finish.
Experimenting on small scraps first is definitely the way to go; it saves you from potentially wasting good wire and lets you dial in the exact look you want. Plus, keeping detailed notes of your process is a pro move it makes recreating or adjusting your patina much easier down the line.
Are you thinking of using LOS for a particular project? Or maybe trying out other patinas or finishes on plated or solid metals?
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
Wire
Silver Plated Wire
Tools
Liver of Sulphur Gel, 2 Ounce Bottle
SOL-610.02
- SOL-610.02
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $12.95
- Gold Club Price: $9.71
Liver of Sulfur 4 oz
SOL-600.04
- SOL-600.04
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.95
- Gold Club Price: $12.71
Supply Detail
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Oxidizing / Antiquing
Dale Armstrong
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