Preventing Copper RIngs From 'Rusting' - Varnish?

kcs · 01-02-2010, 04:08 AM

Would it work? I've been making rings out of copper however, they turn green after time, obviously. At first it looked cool but it leaves a green mark on my girlfriends finger, which she doesn't like (although she refuses the take the ring off

).

Can I simply put varnish on it to prevent the rusting? It's really all I have in my shed at the moment. Anything else I can do? I don't want to buy any expensive thing off a dodgy website, it has to be something you could find in a shed or a hardware store as I have no credit card or anything.

DangerMouse · 01-02-2010, 10:27 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, no, the varnish won't do much, if anything.
Your best bet is to find someone local that does metal electro-plating.
Silver or gold will not turn her finger green. Po)

DM

Angela · 01-02-2010, 12:15 PM

I don't have much factual info to back this up, but the kids always put clear nailpolish on the insides of rings that turn their fingers green. It seems to work for them. I would imagine that it would have to be reapplied from time to time.
I tried looking it up and didn't get much info, but it is caused by a chemical reaction between her skin and the copper. I read that applying a little deodorant to her finger can help prevent the reaction (but who wants to do that??) She should take it off whenever she washes her hands or comes into contact with water.
Hope that was a little helpful.

kcs · 01-02-2010, 01:29 PM

Maybe coating it in solder...?
The nail polish idea could work too. I've got a few ideas forming

envyjewels · 01-24-2010, 11:22 AM

The green on the copper is a natural patina caused by oxidation...same thing happens to sterling (because of the copper in it). If she treats it like a sterling piece and uses a tarnish cloth regularly it will keep it looking shiny and clean. Often times, you can get the tarnish and polishing cloth together which will clean it and coat it to minimize tarnishing.