Autumn
starting to shine!
Member since July 2014
Posts: 47
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Post by Autumn on Jul 20, 2014 0:15:14 GMT -5
The copper wire I'm going to make rosaries with is coated in an anti-tarnish layer (applied by the company). Would you leave the coating on, or remove it? I'm torn. On one hand, I have jewelry made with the same wire that are in pristine condition. They only require the occasional vinegar/salt/water rinse during season changes. Mostly because I sometimes forget to wipe them down after handling/wearing. On the other, the copper would be able to age naturally without the annoying flaking that will eventually happen from the coating. Small bits will be coming off anyway from the wrapped loops. If you suggest removing it, how would you do it? I've read that nail polish remover would work. Has anyone tried the baking soda method mentioned here?
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 20, 2014 12:30:57 GMT -5
In all honesty, if you don't like the coating and you haven't started the project, then dump the coated stuff and get some raw copper. It is cheap and will be much easier in the long run- and you can patina it. I wouldn't waste the time to remove that coating. I accidentally bought some once and threw it away after one project. Where the coating started quickly coming off, it immediately turned green. Don't know if that was a reaction to the stone, though.
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Autumn
starting to shine!
Member since July 2014
Posts: 47
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Post by Autumn on Jul 20, 2014 21:52:44 GMT -5
I have some scraps of the exact same wire. I bought some pure acetone and will see how long it takes to remove the coating from a sample piece. There are items where I prefer the coating.
I've tried to find some smaller spools of raw copper and am having a hard time. Most suppliers sell large quantities. (100 ft or more). For storage purposes, I need smaller quantities.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 20, 2014 22:00:31 GMT -5
My husband used to pick up small spools at Ace. Look for a brand called National, put out by Stanley. It is solid copper hardware wire in jewelry size gauges. The spools are only 25 ft and small.
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Autumn
starting to shine!
Member since July 2014
Posts: 47
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Post by Autumn on Jul 20, 2014 23:31:13 GMT -5
I tried Ace. They didn't have 20 or 22.
...I just did an internet search and am mentally banging my head on the desk. Artistic Wire (Beadalon) makes a bare copper wire. I've always had a very good experience with Beadalon wire. The non-tarnish coating on their German style plated wire was iffy (it flaked off), but otherwise I never had any complaints. And FushionBeads sells it!
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