The Oxidation Process

What is Liver of Sulphur?

Liver of sulphur is a chemical compound made from potassium polysulfide, potassium thiosulfate and potassium sulphide. It is used in metalworking to create an antique finish. It is available in liquid which is premixed, dry lump form and a gel form.

What is Patina?

Patina is a film which covers the surface of metals such as genuine copper, silver and brass. This process usually happens over a long period of time. However, liver of sulphur enables the process to be a lot quicker. The patina process is done by mixing the liver of sulphur with warm water for quick patina or cold water for a slower process. The copper is then placed into the mixture, once the desired color has been achieved, it is then placed into a neutralizing bath to stop the oxidation process. The copper is then polished to achieve the desired look.

Note, the patina will not work on fake copper or copper with a coating on it.

Step-by-Step 

I use a plastic container, I never use metal as the mixture might oxidize it. Then, I pour some warm water into one of the containers, add some dishwashing liquid to the water, mix to combine.

Next, use a small scrubbing brush (or toothbrush) to scrub the metals to remove dirt or oil. I dispose of the water and place the copper on a clean paper towel to air dry.

Then, I make the bicarbonate of soda neutralizing bath. Placing two cups of water into one of the bowls and then add two tablespoons full of bicarbonate of soda stir until the mixture is fully incorporated. You will use this to quench the copper after it has been oxidized. This will stop the oxidation process.

Now, to make the Liver of Sulphur mixture - Add two cups of hot water to one of the bowls, or enough to cover the jewelry. Add as many drops of patina gel as needed and stir to combine.

Place copper into mixture, within minutes the copper will start to oxidize, the color will become darker. When the desired look is achieved remove the copper from the liver of sulphur mixture and place them into the bicarbonate neutralizing bath. Let the copper sit in the neutralizing bath for at least two minutes or until the bicarbonate of soda stop fizzing. The neutralizing bath will stop the oxidation process. Remove the copper from the neutralizing bath and place it on to a towel.

Second to last thing, cleaning and buffing the copper. Using 0000 steel wool to remove excess patina and to also buff the copper.

Lastly, add some warm water and dishwashing liquid to one of the vacant containers. Place the copper into the mixture and use the brush to remove the excess patina and steel wool. Rinse in warm water and leave the copper on a towel to air dry.

Follow up by reading our Jewelry Care Instructions for aftercare details to help protect the quality and longevity of your jewelry.