Lacquer/sealant for brass/copper

Craft Talk
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Hi there.
I was wondering if anyone has any tips for sealing copper and brass.
I make mostly silver jewelllery with a few very small (4/5mm sized) copper and brass elements.

I have been using a coat of clear nail varnish to seal the copper/brass. As the area is very small, and is unlikely to be bent/cracked.

I have had a customer complain 2 months post purchase, and the nail varnish seems to have worn away around the edges of the shape and the brass is tarnished. I have done lots of tests of this method before (things like putting it in a barrel polisher/leaving wet/wearing myself), and haven’t seen this before.

All i can think is that it’s been worn in the bath/swimming/ocean something along those lines. Which i do advise against.

But was wondering if you have any tips regarding sealants for jewellery.

Or would it be better to leave it unsealed and provide a Polish Pro Pad. I am resistant to this because i oxidsed a lot of my jewellery, and pro pads remove oxidised patinas.

This is the first times I’ve had this message, in about 3 years of working this way selling hundreds of items. But feeling worried about all of those now!
Any advise is welcome.
Thank you
Corinne

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If it was a ring I’d blame alcohol based hand sanitiser for removing the nail polish. Have you tried using renaissance wax instead?

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Thank you for getting back to me.

It’s on a pendant. In a very small area, which I would have thought would have minimal contact with chemicals and less chance of being knocked/worn.
The silver all look fine.

I have tried renaissance wax with other designs but find it to not last that long.
But it might be a better option as its easier for a customer to re-polish.

The customer is lovely and is returning it to me, so can inspect it. As I’m really curious about it, as it’s not something I want to be happening to my customers items 2 months after purchase.

From looking at the photo it almost looks like it’s been in a barrel polisher for 10 hours and then left wet. So partly wondering if it’s been in a washing machine, worn surfing or something a long those lines.

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I use this on my Copper jewellry. haven’t tried it on brass
I usually give 3 coates
Midas Finish Seal Lacquer (kernowcraft.com)

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I love this forum. Ask a question, for advice and there is always someone who responds.
Just advised someone on the FB clubhouse to come on here for advice for her shop… will be interesting to see if she does.

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ProtectaClear

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