What Is Liver Of Sulphur?

Liver of sulphur is used to achieve an antique look or a patina on metal which can be black or a range of colours. The silver reacts chemically with the Sulphur, which changes its colour as it oxidises, until it eventually turns black. This is a very similar process to when Silver tarnishes but speeded up. It is excellent for use on textured surfaces, as it enhances the difference between the raised and the lowered parts of the texture and makes subtle patterns more visible.

It can be used on copper, bronze, sterling silver, metal clay and after a little surface preparation work, brass and gold too. On this page we give instructions, tips and advice on using liver of sulphur and how you can use it to create black and coloured patina.

After experimenting with this amazing process ourselves we were really happy with the results! It's a great way to create completely unique and intriguing designs. 

Notes Before You Start...

In all cases, your jewellery piece should be finished (brushed, burnished or polished) and clean before applying the liver of sulphur. If you think there may be traces of polish or grease on your piece, mix a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of water into a paste and clean it with this.

Wear rubber gloves when using liver of sulphur to protect your hands (mainly from the smell!).

You can use stainless steel or plastic tweezers to insert and remove your items from the liver of sulphur. Always use it diluted – mix it in a stainless steel, plastic, ceramic or glass container.

You can obtain a beautiful range of colours with Liver of sulphur – gold, copper, purple, blue and blue-grey before the metal turns black.

Use the same amount of liver of sulphur but mix it with cold water and don’t heat your piece first. This will slow down the process so you can stop when you achieve the desired colour. 

Dip and remove the piece quickly and rinse with cold water immediately. 

Repeat this process until you are happy with the colour. 

Experiment with the temperature of the water, the amount of liver of sulphur or by adding a drop of household ammonia or some salt which can give you more vibrant colours.

Applying Liver Of Sulphur With A Brush

Liver of sulphur can be applied with a brush if you only want to oxidise certain parts of the piece. Paint it onto the parts you want and try layering it by applying it several times or, for a more random effect or varying colours, let it splash or drip (carefully) from the brush.

After Applying Liver Of Sulphur

When you have achieved the colour you want you can gently polish your design using a jewellery cloth to remove the patina from certain areas and bring out lovely silver highlights. It is important to be careful when polishing your design as it is possible to polish off the patina completely, although the darker the colour, the more difficult it is to remove.

Shop Renaissance Wax

This popular conservation wax polish can be used to preserve your patina effectively. Simply apply a thin layer, rub out to a full lustre, revealing a clear film and avoiding any further effect to the surface. It creates the perfect protection of your patina, and avoids tarnishing and oxidisation. It can also be used to finish polymer clay, wood and ceramics. 

Shop Midas Finish Seal Lacquer

Midas finish is another way to protect patinas and is also a transparent solution, which works at protecting your jewellery. Use Midas to avoid tarnishing on metals such as brass and copper, while also maintaining patinas. 

Shop Liver Of Sulphur

For any further advice regarding the contents on this page or for any other general jewellery making enquires, please feel free to get in touch, we would love to hear from you. Share your makes with us on social media! We would love to see your creations and experiments using Liver of Sulphur - don't forget to tag us!

Metal Patination Techniques For Jewelers And Metalsmiths

Aimed for all skill levels, this book contains more than 300 coloration techniques on a variety on metals. It's an inspirational resource as well as a practical guide.

The Workbench Guide To Jewelry Techniques

This is a fully illustrated step by step guide for a range of techniques, as well as basic techniques such as piercing and polishing, it also includes guides on patinas, etching, casting, granulation, reticulation and more.

Colour And Textures In Jewellery

This book covers a range of techniques and materials which can be used to bring excitement, meaning and interest to your designs. It encourages you to experiment, make samples, bend the rules and see what the results are.

The Jeweller’s Directory Of Decorative Finishes

A thoroughly inspiring and indispensable reference book for anyone working with metals. Your complete guide to tools, materials and techniques to create a wide range of spectacular effects!