Making a keychain out of copper for jewelry class, but it keeps tarnishing?
softbagel14 asked:
I’m in a jewelry class at school and I am making a key chain in the shape of a seal with copper. I am currently trying to hand polishing it, but the metal keeps (i think?) tarnishing where I hold it. I think it is reacting to moisture or chemicals or something on my hands, or maybe just air. I was wondering if using clear nail polish would prevent it from becoming dull when i move on to another part of the metal to polish. Does this work?
If not, any suggestions?
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I’m in a jewelry class at school and I am making a key chain in the shape of a seal with copper. I am currently trying to hand polishing it, but the metal keeps (i think?) tarnishing where I hold it. I think it is reacting to moisture or chemicals or something on my hands, or maybe just air. I was wondering if using clear nail polish would prevent it from becoming dull when i move on to another part of the metal to polish. Does this work?
If not, any suggestions?
November 1st, 2009 at 10:02 am
(copied from your previous question)
Nail polish would perhaps work short term, but when heated by the warmth of hands, it will not stay dry like it does on your nails.
For the short term, I would suggest holding it with a piece of cloth to slow the rate of tarnishing, or perhaps a eyeglasses cleaning cloth. greekgirlie1122
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Copper, when exposed, becomes oxidized. This means that when copper is left out in the open the oxygen in the air causes a chemical reaction which in turn causes a patina to develop on the surface of the copper. A patina is the blue-green colouration that you are seeing on the copper. It is unavoidable, but it does create a very beautiful effect. The blue hue of the patina plays off of the orange hue of the copper. Blue and orange are complimentary colours, meaning they work well together and bring out the best in one another. scoobycat72
November 5th, 2009 at 4:02 am
When you finish your piece, dip it in citric acid until the copper turns new. You may then coat it with a thin layer of transparent nail polish or use a pray lacquer (used for isolation in electronics) to protect your key chain.
Good luck!
Sarit Designs - Handcrafted Jewelry wolfus_s