Liver of Sulphur is an inexpensive and easy way
of antiquing your PMC pieces. It only takes a few
minutes and can be removed with silver polish if
you change your mind.
Handling
Please take caution when handling Liver of Sulphur
as it can cause an allergic reaction. It is advisable
to wear rubber gloves when handling it. Should any
of the solution get onto your skin wash it off with
water. If any irritation occurs consult your GP.
Preparation
Once your piece of silver is fired, polish or burnish
the surface so that all the white fired finish has
gone, make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies
when polishing, if any white remains the antiquing
solution will not take to the area. The recessed
areas are exactly where you want the Liver of Sulphur
to work to get the best results.
Mixing the Liver of Sulphur
Ideally work near an open window as the mixture
smells a bit like rotten eggs.
Take a non metallic container such as a Pyrex dish
or an old mug (no longer used for drinking!) and
fill it with enough hot tap water to cover your silver
piece. Now add a pea size lump of Liver of Sulphur.
Stir the mixture until it is a yellow colour. Ideally
place the mixture on a hot plate to keep it warm
as it remains active whilst heated. The maximum time
is approx. 2 hours. The mixture can not be re-used.
Application
You can either antique your whole silver piece
by immersing it in the Liver of Sulphur or use a
paint brush to paint it on sections of your work.
If immersing the whole piece use a pair of tweezers
to hold it an avoid getting into contact with the
mixture. If you only wish to antique part of your
silver piece use a paint brush to paint it on.
Have to hand a small bowl of soapy water (water
mixed with a few drops of washing up liquid) to rinse
the antiqued piece. This should stop the Liver of
Sulphur from continuing to work. Dry with a piece
of kitchen towel.
Finishing
For best results polish the antiqued piece with
a polishing cloth or dremmel.
Storage
Liver of Sulphur in lump form will keep 6-12 months
if kept in a cool, dark place. Store in a non porous
plastic or ceramic container and keep out of reach
of children and pets.
