DIY Faux Antique Silver Patina

Antique silver develops a dark patina finish over time.

Aged silver, especially pieces that have developed an antique patina finish, are uniquely colored. Patina, which develops over time as silver ages and oxidizes, creates a one-of-a-kind finish to the outside of silver. With some unlikely help from egg yolks, you can speed up the natural aging process to give your silver items an antique look with a faux patina finish.

Things You'll Need

• Eggs (minimum of three)
• Pot
• Water
• Plastic bag (with airtight seal) or plastic container

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of water. Add a minimum of three raw eggs and hard boil. Drain the water and allow the eggs to cool.

2. Remove the shell from the eggs. Cut the eggs in half and remove the hard-boiled yolks from all the eggs. Place the yolks inside a plastic bag or container and break the yolks apart using your fingers or a fork.

3. Insert the silver into the yolk, submerging all parts of the silver in the crumbled yolk. Seal the bag or container tightly.

4. Remove the silver from the egg yolk and wipe off any residue. Check on the silver after one hour. Place the silver back in the yolk for up to 24 hours, or until the desired shade of patina has developed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use more eggs and a larger container for bigger pieces of silver.

• Do not add a faux patina finish to silver if you are not certain you want the piece to look aged, as once the process is complete it cannot be reversed.

References

• Fusion Beads: Frequently Asked Questions about Liver of Sulfur
• Jewelry Lessons: How to Make Your Own Patina on Sterling Silver