![]() These changes can happen rapidly, so watch carefully.***I'll start off this tutorial by noting that using liver of sulfur (LOS) produces a really stinky, rotten egg smell that is best not inhaled, and should be done outdoors, or in a very well-ventilated area. As you apply the solution, it will go through stages of colors, from yellow to magenta to purple to dark blue. If you want a yellowish-colored silver, dissolve a tiny piece of LOS, either lump or gel, in a small glass container of cold water. The following are some pointers to help you along the way.Īpplication depends on your desired finish. Experiment for yourself to find out what you like. Basically, it’s whatever works for you it’s not rocket science, and there is no one correct application technique out there. There are as many opinions of how to apply LOS as there are jewelry artists. And, of course, keep away from food! Liver of Sulfur Application Techniques Liver of sulfur accentuates texture on a piece, such as this Phantom Jasper and yellow sapphire pendant’s back plate, which was textured with Japanese watercolor paper. You don’t want this “stinky stuff” in your eyes. Also, use rubber gloves, and try not to breathe the “stinky stuff.” Safety glasses are a must. Make sure to use this brush only for your liver of sulfur treatments you may even want to label it so it doesn’t accidentally get repurposed for another type of project. No need to mess up a real pricey brush, but neither do you want to leave brush hairs all over your jewelry. Also, get a #5 soft, round, medium-priced watercolor brush. Then, I don’t touch the part I wish to patina. The piece must be very clean, so I scrub it with a paste of pumice and water and then rinse it. A slight tooth, even with the 9- or 15-grit 3M Finishing Films, will work. ![]() Liver of sulfur will work on a polished surface, but a surface finished with rouge to a high polish may take several applications and a lot of patience. First, the metal needs some “tooth.” A textured or lightly sanded finish works best. ![]() Liver of Sulfur Prepīefore you jump in with your LOS solution, you’ll need to prep the metal for the application. Also, keep it away from tools and other acids. Liver of sulfur will deteriorate in sunlight, so if you make up a batch, keep it tightly covered and in a dark, cool place. You only need the size of half of a green pea and about a quarter cup of water to make a good solution. I have found that many people, even when using the lump form, make way too much solution. Plus, I don’t think it lasts as long or is effective as long as the other two forms. My personal least favorite is the liquid form, and this is because when used in a classroom setting, students use way too much and it gets wasted. For years, I used the lump form, and it works fine, but I have found the gel form much easier to use with the same or even better results. LOS comes in three forms: liquid, lump and gel. The newer liver of sulfur gel comes in several sizes. You control this with your application of the patina. Colors achieved with liver of sulfur can range from a golden yellow to dark gray or black. I find it a bit more difficult to get a good patina on brass, and it has no effect on gold. Liver of sulfur gives gorgeous results on silver and copper. Most jewelers just call it oxidizing to keep things simple. It is most commonly referred to as oxidizing, though that term is used erroneously, so just go with it it’s got way too much stuff to do with chemistry to go into here. It brings out the textural details in metal jewelry and can make the pieces look antiqued. Liver of sulfur (LOS) is a potassium sulfide. ![]() Keep it in a cool dark place away from tools and other acids. Do I like the smell of it? NO WAY! But do I like the results? ABSOLUTELY! What is Liver of Sulfur? Traditional liver of sulfur comes in lump form in an airtight metal canister. ![]() It’s a patina that sinks into the recesses of metal textures and shows nice contrast when I remove and polish it off the high areas. To me, it’s the stuff that gives my silver jewelry designs so much character, which makes it invaluable in my mind. Liver of sulfur may be a little less than pleasant to your nose, but I can’t help but love it. Inevitably, someone always asks, “What’s that stinky stuff?” Whenever I teach hand-finishing jewelry workshops, I mix up a small solution of liver of sulfur. ![]()
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