Things You'll Need:
- Egg -or- Liver of Sulfur (potassium sulfide)
- Silver Items
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Step 1
Potassium Sulfide, or liver of sulfur, is a chemical that reacts with the surface of the silver. It creates a blackened area but through this chemical reaction it releases strong toxic fumes. It is strongly recommended to age your silver in a well ventilated area. Using an egg will accomplish virtually the same result but you may have to repeat the process several times. Aging your silver using an egg avoids having to work in a well ventilated area and most people keep eggs on hand.
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Step 2
If you choose to use liver of sulfur you will have better control over your results. You can purchase liver of sulfur from almost any chemical supply store. Start by breaking a small piece of the liver of sulfur off and putting into about a cup of warm water. Using a smaller amount of sulfur will give you better regulation of just how light or dark your silver becomes.
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Step 3
Rub the liver of sulfur solution on your silver in areas you want to see darkened. Typically the nooks and crannies of silver darken the most and the fastest naturally. Once you've rubbed it on with a cloth leave it for a few seconds then rinse in mildly soapy water and brush with a brass brush. Repeat as necessary until you get the result you would like.
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Step 4
The yolk is key to aging silver.If you choose to use the egg method you are avoiding contact with harsh chemicals although it may take you some trial and error before getting the result you desire. First start by making the egg a hard-boiled egg. After boiling and cooling break the egg in half. No need to peel the egg as you are really only after the yolk.
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Step 5
Place both sides of the egg in the jar with the yolks facing up. Place your silver item in the jar being careful to avoid making contact between the silver and the yolk. Seal the jar with the lid and leave it overnight. In the morning you should see the results. If they are not to your liking and you want your aged silver darker - repeat the process using a newly hard-boiled egg.
Comments
emc400 said
on 1/6/2009 I have wanted to age some of my silver jewelry pieces but was avoiding the harsh chemicals. Can't wait to try the egg method
rumblebug said
on 12/20/2008 Tishadesigns - When working with the liver of sulfur try dilluting it as much as possible before applying it to your silver items. Use a coarse brush to apply it. If you are still having difficulty it might be best to consult a jewelry professional in your area for your best method and/or more tips on using the above methods.
Tishadesigns said
on 12/20/2008 I have tried liver of sulpher a few times with disastorous results. Even when just dipping a copper or silver item into the mixture results in almost instantaneous black patina that I cannot yet remove.
I also tried the egg method and got no result with either silver or copper.
isn't there any other way to give a patina or aged look to silver with the liver of sulpher.
I just read an article on antiquing or adding patina to brass and there were several methods with the most recommended being the use of regular household vinegar or ammonia.
this is one of the sites I checked by WinterRoseDesigns profile shop contact
Hello - Good question. First you can only antique raw brass - plated brass often has a lacquer applied to it that will serious interact with chemicals. For the raw brass you must wash it first to remove all machine oil and then you can begin.
on aging bras
HowDragon said
on 12/15/2008 Great info on aging silver! 5*!
blingaling said
on 12/12/2008 Another good article! I use a lot of copper and silver in my wirework. I've been wanting to age pieces, but didn't want to use the chemicals. This is perfect!