Tarnishing copper beads

[col]

Does anyone have any methods to speed up the tarnishing process of copper/brass beads .
cheers col

[haresear]

Can't think of anything offhand Col, but you might want to consider tungsten as a substitute as it usually comes in black, it is far denser than copper or brass, so only needs a wee bead, meaning less chance of the bead interfering with hooking. You can get the tungsten ones in various colours too, if you want a bit of flash.

Alex

[haresear]

Col, a friend of mine puts some in a film cannister with some sand and shakes them about a bit.
Dunno how long it takes as I've never tried it myself but maybe worth a go.

That's a good idea Bri. Could try something similar with emery paper or iron filings and that might speed the process up.

Alex

[sandyborthwick]

Heat them with a blow lamp(not melt them) they'll get dull quickly as they cool -(drop them in some cold water after heating). Seems to tarnish them up fine I find.

Sandy B.O.

[haresear]

Heat them with a blow lamp(not melt them) they'll get dull quickly as they cool -(drop them in some cold water after heating). Seems to tarnish them up fine I find.

Good one Sandy. The wealth of info we have on here never ceases to amaze me.

Alex

[Andrew Moray]

Hello Col,

Did you manage to try any of the tarnishing tips ?.
Which method was the safest ?  :wink:

I've got some I wouldn't mind dulling down a bit.


Tony

[haresear]

also try egg yolk it tarnishes silver

How on earth did you find that out Breac? Chemistry at school?


Alex

[Wildfisher]

How on earth did you find that out Breac? Chemistry at school?

Derek's middle name is Gandalf – have you no' seen that white beard in his photo? 

[Andrew Moray]

Hello Brian,

Hi Tony, I don't have a blow lamp so I heated them up on one of the gas rings on the cooker, it worked a treat.

Excellent, thanks Brian, need to give that a try (when the wife's out)
I imagine it gets hot if you hold them with the fingers, I'll try a pot 


Tony

[Andrew Moray]

Hello Colin,

Thanks for the tip.
I'll give it a go tonight.


Tony