How to Seal Copper or Bronze Jewelry
Sealing copper or bronze jewelry is one of the most important aspect of owning copper based jewelry. Since copper is always very reactive towards chemical reactions like tarnishing and patina formation, it becomes really vital to seal it via some liquid or semi-solid material.
Sealing a copper jewelry or in other words saving copper from tarnishing means putting a layer of wax or some oil on its outer surface so copper does not react with gases like pollutants and moisture.
In this article we’ll explore the answer to the question how to seal copper jewelry and methods for it.
Why do we Seal Copper Jewelry
Copper is a very reactive metal when subjected to open air and moisture. Pollutants like sulfur oxide, Nitrous oxide and moisture can quickly react with it to form by-products. This results in the formation of layer of unwanted chemicals over the top surface of the metal.
These unwanted chemicals give an unwanted greenish and duller tint to copper. That’s why we seal copper jewelry with some wax or oil so it acts as a layer between the metal and open air. In this way reaction will not occur and metal will not tarnish.
Another benefit of sealing is the lustrous look it gives to copper. This may act on a temporary basis, but can give a brighter and shinier look.
2 Ways of Sealing Copper or Bronze Jewelry
There are certain products you can use to seal copper with in order to make a barrier between metal and oxygen from air. Remember that all of this sealing stuff is just a layer of material acting as a barrier and will be removed off at sometime due to rubbing or washing. So, it cannot be taken as a permanent solution.
Copper jewelry can be sealed using multiple ways but for ease, here we will be discussing two methods.
- Using Wax
- Using Peanut Oil
1. Using Wax
This method is the most widely used one for sealing copper jewelry due to its easiness. For this method you will require three things:
- Paste Wax
- Soft Brass Brush
- Degreasing Soap
Method:
1. Take a bowl of warm water and add some degreasing soap in it.
2. Dip your copper jewelry in it for 5 to 10 minutes and take it out.
3. Gently rub the debris off with a soft brass brush. Make sure all the debris is removed from the copper piece and it appears super clean.
4. Place your copper jewelry on a paper towel and take out paste wax.
5. Take a thin layer of wax with the help of another paper and start rubbing on the metal surface. Try not to grab it while rubbing to avoid fingerprints.
6. Once you’re done with applying the paste wax, clean it with another paper towel and you’re good to go.
2. Using Peanut Oil
Using peanut oil is another great way of sealing your copper jewelry. This type of sealing lefts the metal with a light brown luster. Things required for this method are:
- Peanut Oil
- Flame Torch
- Paint Brush
- Heat Resistant Pad
Method:
1. Take your copper jewelry and put it on the heat resistant pad.
2. Take some peanut oil in a bowl and start applying on metal with the help of a paint brush. This will create a wood pattern on your metal jewelry. If you want to avoid it, use a toothbrush instead of a paintbrush.
3. Turn on flame torch and apply that flame to the surface of the metal. Make sure the flame is only applied until the metal becomes warm and smoke starts to rise. Once you see smoke, move the flame away.
4. Don’t try to apply direct flame on to the metal surface or oil will evaporate quickly. Instead apply indirect heating by heating resistant pad which will eventually heat the metal.
5. Let it cool for 15 to 20 seconds and dip them in the bowl of water. Remember that if you let them cool for too long, the oil will start to blacken out on the surface.
6. Take a clean piece of cloth and wipe out any extra moisture from the copper jewelry.
Products you can use for Sealing Copper
There are many other products you can use to seal as well. Most common of those are:
1. Everbrite ProtectaClear
Everbrite is a well known brand in metal protection category where they make specified products for jewelry such as Everbrite ProtectaClear. It is available in the form of spray and can be applied like any regular spray paint.
Additionally it is designed to be hypoallergenic meaning it does not cause any skin allergies when coated metals are used. It also shows tough resistance towards salts and chlorine making it a perfect solution for outdoor and indoor areas.
2. Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
It is a commonly available anti-tarnishing spray on hardware stores like Home Depot. Since its a shake before use spray, users need to follow all the basic instructions before use. Dry time is about 15 minutes after which you can apply second coat if necessary.
Make sure you do all of this spray coating in outdoor environment and wear proper mask.
3. Renaissance Wax Polish
Renaissance wax polish is another great product to save your copper jewelry from tarnishing. Apart from being used as an anti-tarnishing agent for metal and furniture products, it is also used in antique restoration and museum conservation.
For using just use a soft clean cloth and rub it on the surface of the metal. Let it dry for 5 minutes and then remove the extra wax. You can also use double coating if you live in an area near to ocean.
Metals which require Sealing
Copper or bronze based jewelries are not the only metallic jewelry types which require sealing. Other than these, brass and silver jewelries are also subjected to tarnishing. The rate at which tarnishing occurs can differ on the basis of percentage used of base metal. For example, alloys with high copper content such as brass and bronze are tarnished pretty quickly. Tarnishing results in formation of green colored patina.
Silver tarnishing is a little bit different than this. It forms a blackish layer of chemicals over it giving an overall black and duller appearance. Silver alloys such as 925 sterling silver and 950 sterling silver are the most prone silver alloys to tarnishing.
Conclusion
Sealing your copper jewelry or bronze jewelry is an easy but vital part to increase their shelf life. It can be done in numerous ways. Most popular are using some wax or peanut oil. You can also use other products such as Everbrite ProtectaClear or Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel. All of these products help you in saving copper or bronze jewelry from patina forming and tarnishing issues.