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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Sculptor and Jeweler Qs about shell finishes and copper

2005

I make sculpture and jewelery and use coins, old hardware and shell , and have 2 questions.

What can I put on copper[pennies,plumbing material,etc] that will extend the shine after it has been cleaned and polished? It doesn't work to keep using copper cleaner on the finished piece as it ruins the other materials used .

I carve and use sea shells;what kinds of polishing powder,steps,etc to hand or light -machine buffing? I heard of shells being "cured": what is that ?

Kirsten Kennette
- Falmouth, Massachusetts

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You can use a clear spray lacquer to keep the pieces from oxidizing further. I'll ask my jeweler friends about the pearls/shells.

I do know that commonly clear epoxy is used to keep them from scratching further.

Marc Banks
Blacksmith - Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2005

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I spoke with my friends about "curing" shells/pearls/ect. There is currently no way to harden the material further, commonly the shell is finished with a clear acrylic (NOT EPOXY). Pearls you leave alone.

They yelled at me about getting that wrong.....

Marc Banks
Blacksmith - Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2005