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.