It's possible that polished silver is not your style.If you like the look of vintage or antique silver, you may be excited to know that you can use newer pieces of silver to recreate that look, and make the perfect cocktail ring or tea service.You can put an antique silver finish on your new silver by using boiled eggs.
Step 1: There are two eggs that need to be boiled.
Two boiled eggs are required for one piece of jewelry.Carefully add your two eggs after you bring the water to a boil.Remove the eggs from the heat source after 10 minutes.You will need more eggs to finish a large piece of silver.To cool the eggs, set them aside.Add cool water to speed the process and pour out most of the boiling water.
Step 2: The silver pieces need to be washed.
Liquid dish soap and water can be used to clean the pieces.Before rinsing away the soap, scrub them with your fingers.To make sure there is no water in the crevices of your silver, dry it well.The purpose of washing the pieces is to remove oils that can cause the silver to oxidize.It is better to wear gloves after you wash the silver.
Step 3: The eggs should be in a baggie.
Pick a bag that is large enough to hold both the eggs and the silver pieces you want to finish.If you don't peel your eggs, put them in the bag to make room for the eggs to move around.If the eggs are piled on top of each other, it will be hard to mash them.You can use more than one bag if you have a lot of eggs.If your silver piece won't fit in a bag, add the eggs to a larger container that will fit your item.
Step 4: The eggs should be mashed.
Pressing the eggs will cause them to break up into small pieces.Eggs have sulfur, which oxidizes the silver.The process will work better if you press the eggs more.
Step 5: The bag should have silver pieces in it.
Make sure the items are covered with an egg when placed in the bag.The bag can be folded so that the eggs are mashed against the silver.
Step 6: Allow the pieces to be set for a long time.
After about 15 minutes, you will be able to see a color change, but it will take up to 8 hours for your piece to be set.The time will be shorter if you just want a light antique finish.Check regularly to see if the color matches your desires.Don't forget about silver.It may be damaged if you leave it in the eggs for too long.
Step 7: The silver should be removed and cleaned.
Knock off the pieces of egg that are stuck to your silver, then wipe it with a clean cloth or napkin.Make sure that all traces of the egg are gone by washing the jewelry with soap and water.If you leave egg on your piece, it will smell.It is possible to remove bits of egg from crevices with a toothpick.Once it is completely clean, dry the silver.
Step 8: You should wash your silver.
A few drops of ammonia and liquid detergent are put into a bowl of hot water.If you have silver, immerse it and scrub it away from the item.The toothbrush can be used to work in the cleaning solution.You can wash your item with liquid detergent if you don't have ammonia.
Step 9: The sulfur should be mixed into the water.
Add two cups of water to a container.The patina gel should be added to the water.The mixture is a pale yellow.A quick finish will not be as strong as a darker yellow solution.It is better for your piece to be treated in a weaker solution.You can buy the gel at craft supply stores or online.
Step 10: Check the color by dipping silver into the mixture.
Do not immerse your item.Pull the piece out after a few seconds if you dip it into the solution.The gel will work quickly.If it is your preferred finish, check the color after you dip.While you dip the silver, wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
Step 11: Continue to dip and make sure you get your desired color.
You may need to dip the piece several times to reach your preferred shade, but don't be tempted to rush the process because a rushed process can result in an even or damaged finish.For a few seconds at a time, leave it in the solution.Allowing the item to oxidize can cause pitting.
Step 12: Baking soda can be mixed with water to make a neutralizing bath.
Water and baking soda should be in your bath.Sprinkle a few pinches of baking soda over the water.Baking soda is not needed to create your solution.
Step 13: Put your piece in the bath.
If you don't remove the gel from your item, it will still be dark even after you have removed it from the solution.The sulfur will be stopped by the baking soda in your bath.If you want to check the finish, dip the piece for a few seconds.If you allow your items to soak, it will remove the finish you just added.
Step 14: Baking soda can be Rub onto the high points of the silver.
The finish on your piece should be removed if you want it to look natural.Baking soda can be Rub onto the raised areas of your piece to restore the polish.This will make your finish look natural.If you are happy with the look of your piece or want a more consistent color, you can skip this step.