by Jesús Zabala - 4 min read
How to Seal Brass Jewelry
Sealing is one of the most important processes in brass jewelry making. Since one, and probably the biggest disadvantage, of brass jewelry is tarnishing, we preserve its shine by sealing the pieces. If you are curious to find out how to seal brass jewelry, you are in the right place.
We will explain the process of making brass jewelry more durable by acting as a layer of protection from air, moisture, and exposure to other elements that might deteriorate or damage it over time. Let us take you through the typical process of sealing brass.
![Seal Brass Jewelry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2674/6290/files/Seal_Brass_Jewelry_480x480.jpg?v=1723470589)
Understanding the Importance of Sealing Brass Jewelry
Brass jewelry is a common choice for jewelry lovers because its warm, golden hue adds a touch of elegance to an outfit. However, brass is not all about aesthetic appeal. As part of the copper alloy list, brass is highly affordable and can be easily shaped, resulting in versatile designs available for purchase.
Despite all its advantages, brass's metal composition makes it prone to tarnishing and fading. This typically happens when brass jewelry is exposed to air, moisture, and skin oils. Also, brass jewelry might start to oxidize with time and change color.
When we create our brass jewelry, we seal it for several reasons. For one, sealing jewelry generally prolongs longevity. The sealing protects the delicate pieces from wear and tear, especially from scratches, environmental factors, and oxidation.
The seal creates a barrier between common factors that cause brass jewelry to tarnish. There is no guarantee the sealing process will completely prevent tarnishing, but it will most certainly slow the process down, keeping the jewelry shiny as brand new, even for a while.
Ultimately, sealing jewelry is recommended for metals that cause skin irritations and discolorations. When we seal brass jewelry, the likelihood of having tarnish-related skin discoloration is reduced as the sealant acts like a barrier between your skin and the metal. Bear in mind that the sealing can wear off and requires regular sealant reapplication.
How to Seal Brass Jewelry?
The steps on how to coat brass jewelry with a sealing agent are straightforward and include:
- Preparing the workspace
- Cleaning the brass jewelry
- Applying the sealing agent
- Allowing the sealing agent to cure
- Inspecting and touching up
- Final cleaning and polishing
Preparing the workplace
The first step in how to seal brass jewelry is preparing the workspace. Before we start with anything, we ensure the working area is clean.
We organize the working area so everything is within arms reach. Speaking of equipment, the essentials for sealing brass jewelry are gloves, masks, sealing agents, application tools, and cleaning supplies.
![Preparing the workplace for sealing brass](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2674/6290/files/Preparing_the_workplace_for_sealing_brass_jewerly_480x480.jpg?v=1723470777)
Cleaning brass jewelry
The brass jewelry must be cleaned thoroughly so the sealant can adhere properly. Firstly, we clean the brass jewelry with mild soap and warm water. If the jewelry finish isn’t smooth, we tend to use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface. Our goal with this step is to ensure the jewelry doesn’t have any dirt, tarnish, oils, or other debris.
Choosing and applying the sealing agent
When we are choosing a sealing agent, we consider several factors. The first, and most important one is that it is high-quality and suitable for brass. Next, it is highly important for us to use non-toxic and hypoallergenic sealants that will prevent skin irritations. Ultimately, we consider the type of sealant that is most suitable and easy to apply according to the jewelry design.
The applying process of the sealing agent will be determined according to the type used. Commonly used metal sealant types include:
- Spray-on jewelry sealants
- Coating
- Wax
- Form of nail polish
- Lacquer
As the name suggests, spray-on sealants need to be sprayed on the jewelry pieces. We highly recommend using them outside or in a well-ventilated room and also wearing a mask to avoid inhaling the spray-on.
One of the most famous coatings for jewelry is the ProtectaClear. To apply it, you can either dip the jewelry in the solution, brush it directly on the piece, or wipe the solution on the jewelry piece.
Allowing the sealing agent to cure
We recommend leaving the sealing agent to cure in a well-ventilated area without dirt. The amount of time it will take to cure depends on two main factors: the type used and the thickness of the coat.
For instance, some sealing agents cure fast, and your jewelry will be ready for wearing within a few hours. On the other hand, thicker layers and certain sealants might need a few days to dry completely.
Inspecting and touching up
Once it is cured, we inspect the brass jewelry under good lighting. This step is crucial as we look for and fix all imperfections, such as missed spots, uneven coverage, or bubbles, that might influence the effectiveness of the sealant coating.
Final cleaning and polishing
Finally, we clean and polish the brass jewelry to enhance its appearance. There are various ways to clean brass jewelry, such as using mild soap and warm water or a special jewelry cleaning agent. As for the polishing, we typically use a jewelry polishing cloth to give brass jewelry its shine.
![Final cleaning and polishing](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2674/6290/files/Final_cleaning_and_polishing_480x480.jpg?v=1723470731)
Conclusion
Sealing jewelry is essential for preserving its shine, prolonging its lifespan, and minimizing tarnishing. The steps on how to seal brass jewelry start with preparing the workplace and cleaning the brass jewelry and continue with sealant application, giving it time to cure and adding some final touches.
![Client Image](http://jewelrylab.co/cdn/shop/users/avatar_250x250_crop_center_c5ef1d66-e16b-49cb-a958-590b9e520d71_2x.jpg?v=1707104491)
Jesús is the founder and designer of JewelryLab. He is the Head of Design and also oversees production, quality control, and precious metal sourcing.
-
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
When it comes to jewelry, the type of metal choice is significant in determining the piece’s beauty, but especially its durability. Sterling silver and stainless steel are popular options that make customers debate which...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Have you ever looked at a jewelry piece, no longer available for purchase, and a thought strikes in your head–what if I could make it myself? Although the process of designing jewelry pieces can...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Jewelry that is usually over 100 years old is considered antique. Such pieces have historical and artistic value from eras like the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, etc. The interest and value in antique jewelry materials...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 7 min read
Nowadays, when purchasing new jewelry pieces, you can learn a lot about them by talking with the seller or reading the description of the online item. But what can you do if you have...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
If you inspect your jewelry closely, you will notice different symbols, numbers, and letter stamps on it. To identify the jewelry easily, you should know the different types of marks found on jewelry and...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
When shopping for jewelry, you have probably seen the small 925 mark stamped on silver pieces. This number is not a random sign, but it has its meaning and speaks volumes about your precious...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Gold and silver are both precious metals with a long history of jewelry use. Gold is yellow and shiny. It is very malleable and ductile. Silver is shiny but white and highly malleable and...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Do you love to have jewelry that can elevate your outfits and make you look everything but boring? Well, you should buy fashion jewelry. Now, you may wonder, what is fashion jewelry? Read on...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Many have experienced rashes when wearing jewelry with a nickel alloy in it. But does gold have nickel in it? Is nickel the culprit behind people's complaints of gold causing allergic reactions? Unfortunately, you can not tell if...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Gold has been one of the most used noble metals in jewelry-making since the early stages. With the price of gold spiking, gold-plated jewelry has emerged as a cost-effective alternative with a similar appearance...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Jewelry is one of the most common targets for burglars. We constantly hear that jewelry is stolen from homes, safes, and jewelry stores, but nothing compares with the biggest jewelry heist of all time.
... continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Gold jewelry is not just a statement of elegance. The gold value, tradition, and quality add a special imprint to these jewelry pieces. You can stamp messages, dates, or initials to make jewelry even...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Handmade jewelry is more than just a regular accessory, especially if you make it with your hands. But before you wear it, you must get inspired and create a unique design that will mirror...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Soldering is one of the key processes in jewelry-making and repair. There is much more to the technique than melting and joining metals. All metals are unique and require specific measures to join them....
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 3 min read
One of the latest jewelry trends is wearing bohemian or vintage-inspired pieces. So, if you are one of those people who look for a retro look, you should wear oxidized jewelry. But what is...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
If you are a jewelry collector or just have a lot of pieces that you do not wear anymore, you may be unsure how to repurpose them. This is why we have prepared these...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
When shopping for jewelry, you typically look for something stylish with excellent quality. Unfortunately, many pieces can tarnish once the metal comes in contact with external substances like sulfur, body oils, sweat, and perfumes....
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Everyone has worn a piece of jewelry at some point, whether they have a more minimalistic style or not. But did you know that there is more to jewelry than just appearance enhancement? In...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 3 min read
Creating jewelry designs and handcrafting beautiful jewelry pieces was just the beginning of our jewelry journey. As jewelers who work with handmade and custom jewelry, we put much effort and dedication into our unique...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 3 min read
People often use the terms vintage and antique interchangeably to describe older jewelry, but these terms describe different pieces. For instance, antique jewelry is older than vintage, which tends to make it more valuable. So, how old is...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
The history of jewelry making is filled with innovative metal-forming processes. One of them, that we still use today, is electroforming. But what is electroforming jewelry, and why is it important for you as a wearer to understand...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
The two most important decisions you need to make when purchasing jewelry are the design and material. While you can pick the design according to your preferences, it can be a challenge to recognize...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
When buying jewelry, it's vital to choose a piece that not only appeals to you aesthetically but is also made with durable metal. However, not all precious metals are durable. So, what is the most durable metal for...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Brass jewelry is one of the most desirable pieces of jewelry because of its golden tone and warm color. In addition, the affordable price and simple maintenance are additional reasons for brass to be...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Whether looking to express your personal style and your character through jewelry or simply looking for that unique gift for a special one, handmade jewelry is a go-to option for most. While there are...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Gold, a precious metal with long-established historical value, has held its allure throughout human history. Yet, in our modern age of technological advances, the possibility of encountering counterfeit gold has become more and more prevalent. Especially concerning are...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Soldering jewelry with a soldering iron is an art technique employed in handcrafting jewelry. The technique is easy to grasp, and every beginner can conquer it quickly and take their jewelry creation knowledge to...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 3 min read
Fashion jewelry and costume jewelry are integral to those who want to make an impression and stand out from the crowd. Although these types of jewelry are essentially the same, there are some subtle...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
When you enter the jewelry world, you have a lot of decisions to make before you get the perfect piece, starting from the design and ending with the metal type . Regarding the metals,...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 7 min read
Sterling silver is a beautiful metal with timeless appeal. Yet, if you are going for a bolder vibe, oxidized silver can be a compelling alternative, providing a dark and rustic aesthetic. Interested in learning...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 7 min read
For centuries, we’ve cherished jewelry as a symbol of status, love, and personal expression, passing down tradition through generations and holding significant sentimental value in the smallest of pieces. However, the toll of time...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Hallmarks on jewelry are essential identifiers of purity and serve as a form of consumer protection. After all, when you purchase a silver piece, you want to ensure the metal’s purity. But when did...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
With the evolution of human society and technological advancements, we have also seen numerous developments, even in making jewelry. One popular method in jewelry making is the electroplating process. But what is electroplating jewelry?
... continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Brass and copper are two popular metals used in jewelry making. Brass contains copper, so making a difference between brass and copper may be challenging. That is why we want to compare brass vs...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Jewelry has sentimental and monetary value. While the sentimental value can't be measured, the monetary value can. Regarding the monetary aspects of jewelry, people aren’t aware of the jewelry appraisal vs selling price difference.
... continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Are you one of those people who have allergic reactions to jewelry but just can’t live without these styling accessories? We've got you covered as we reveal the hypoallergenic jewelry materials that you may...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Navajo jewelry is more than a century old, but it has never gone out of fashion. Since its early beginnings, it has made a permanent mark in the jewelry-making world due to its unique...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Jewelry making is one of the oldest forms of craftsmanship in human history. Jewelry is present in most ancient religions and mythologies, carrying spiritual, status, and wealth symbolism. Today, everyone can start crafting their...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Sterling silver holds a unique allure, combining timeless beauty with exceptional quality. This precious metal has adorned royalty and commoners throughout history, and their appeal is still cherished. But how much is 925 silver...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
The choice of jewelry can significantly improve your overall appearance. Gold jewelry has been a cherished accessory for years, captivating with its timeless elegance and luxury. Yet, if you want the allure of gold...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Gold jewelry, renowned for its dazzling shine and glossy characteristics, has always been a must-have in everyone’s jewelry box. However, sometimes, this stunning metal could be desired with a more subdued or aged appearance...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
For some, jewelry is more than an accessory. It symbolizes a connection to a person, a lovely memory, and a legacy. While there are many jewelry pieces that suit different occasions, there is one...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 5 min read
Hypoallergenic jewelry is made to reduce allergic responses for people with sensitive skin who frequently feel irritation and redness when wearing certain types of jewelry. As gold is one of the most expensive precious metals available, you may...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 4 min read
Jewelry is a self-expression accessory, and people have been representing their personalities through it for a long time now. Although there are different types of jewelry, one remains timeless – fine jewelry. continue reading
-
Jesus zabala - 7 min read
Jewelry has been an integral part of human culture and history, serving various purposes, from adornment to a symbol of status. As studying the history of jewelry timeline reveals, the evolution of jewelry over...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 6 min read
Shopping for gold jewelry can be a challenging task, given the wide range of options available. Knowing the difference between each karat piece becomes critical to guide you in the process, as the gold purity significantly influences the...
continue reading -
Jesus zabala - 7 min readcontinue readingJesus zabala - 4 min read
Sterling silver is a popular jewelry choice. This comes as no surprise as it is high-quality, elegant, and durable.
While some take the jewelry off at home, others...
continue readingUNCOVER OUR LATEST CREATIONS-
DESIGNED & HANDMADE IN BALI
-
FREE RESIZING FOR EVERY PIECE
-
FREE SHIPPING ON $150+ ORDERS
-
100% SAFE & SECURE CHECKOUT
don't miss a beat!Join Now For 20% Off Your First Order!