Comments on: Coated vs Bare Copper Wire for a Beginner?

By: Ginger Wall

Ginger Wall — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:18:33 +0000

I have found that the only place I can find copper wire in hardware stores is in the picture hanging area. However I did find a very thick wire twisted in three wires but I have not tried to use it. I untwisted three wires it but haven’t tried to straighten it.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:47:53 +0000

Love reading these comments on this topic. Some very good advice given. I would only add that an easy polish for sterling or copper in probably in your medicine cabinet. Toothpaste and an old tooth brush do the trick nicely. Just a dab and a light brushing with a good rinse and dry. I would also suggest to slow down the tarnishing process try using Renaissance Wax on copper to protect the patina. And I alway store my silver and copper jewelry in zip lock baggies or air tight containers to lessen the exposure to air.

By: Lady Mockingbird

Lady Mockingbird — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:04:28 +0000

It really depends on your aesthetic. I’ve used coated copper wire in the very thinnest gauges for use as warp wire in weaving and find that for items which don’t get banged around a lot (brooches, and pendants, and necklaces in general) the coated copper stays bright and rose-gold looking for years and years. My preference is for the bright penny color instead of aged patina color. So even when I use bare copper for construction. I apply 2 thin coats of a micro polymer called Protecta Clear once my pieces are finished. The coating has to be reapplied periodically, more often for items worn 24/7 but my customers seem to like how it lasts.

As the other people have mentioned, the coating on non tarnish copper can wear off over time. Particularly on rings and bracelets and lead to dark tarnished spots which can look ugly, unless you make that choice deliberately, which I have done with several items mixing coated with bare copper so as the piece ages there’s contrasting colors.

Going with bare copper allows for the natural patina (IE tarnish) to occur over time giving the pieces an aged rustic look. And bare copper also, as mentioned previously, allows the artist to apply patina and selectively polish it away brining out deep detail. Again depends on your aesthetic.

One other note. Some non tarnish craft wire that looks like copper isn’t copper at all, but can be colored brass or colored aluminum and the color will scratch off pretty easily, even when you are careful using your tools.

By: Sandy West

Sandy West — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 16:07:17 +0000

I use bare copper wire and I start my shopping at my local hardware store. They don’t have a large variety of gauges, but it works well. They also have brass wire but it is yellow brass and I prefer red brass. The red has a warmer tone. I have also made some interesting pieces using florist wire. Do an internet search for home made tarnish remover and use that to brighten your pieces when finished.

By: Nadine

Nadine — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:39:30 +0000

Be aware that is non-tarnish wire is coated. That coating usually wears off, or chips in places. Many people like to have the ability to add a patina to copper wire, you can not do that with coated wire. Have fun.

By: carolyn hume

carolyn hume — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:23:31 +0000

I always prefer to use bare copper wire as it gives me the option to oxidise for a more vintage look. I find it easier to work with too, especially for someone who is a beginner, as the coating on the coated copper can ‘drag’ and not give such clean, fluid lines in your piece.

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:04:59 +0000

If you use non-tarnish, you won’t be able to darken the piece with liver of sulfur or other patina agents.

By: Judy Bjorkman

Judy Bjorkman — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:05:50 +0000

IMHO, bare copper is always best. How long it takes to tarnish depends on its context — is it being handled constantly? Is it in a warm, humid situation? But copper is easy to clean, with, say, a silver polishing cloth, or by dipping in Tarn-X (rinse and dry well; do not soak). Often its tarnish, if left in the recesses of a design, will add to the interest of the design. Have fun experimenting!