How to pre-treat charms?

[Tracy Lunt]

I generally don't do projects with charms...but am working on "Tis the
Season" (Santa bellpull) which does have charms.

I think I've heard something about coating charms before using them to help
them keep their luster. What should I coat them with?

Thanks!
Tracy
--
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Graduate Student
University of Virginia, Dept of Chemical Engineering
lu...@virginia.edu

[ERivera308]

Hi Tracy

Use clear nail polish, thin coat and let it dry throughly. That will do it.

Happy Stitching

EdithNYC

[MJB5019]

This information comes from the creative beginnings charms site at
http://www.creativebeginnings.com

Finishing & Using Raw Brass Charms

How to Seal, Antique or Paint Your Charms:
Our charms are made of solid brass. They can be left as is, antiqued or painted
and, sealed. If the brass is left as is, the color will naturally darken with
age. Brass polish can be used on the raw metal to brighten and shine the piece.
The original color can be maintained by sealing the metal with a clear coat of
varnish or sealer, either water base or regular. If pieces are antiqued or
painted it is recommended that you seal the finish with varnish or sealer.

ANTIQUING: Antiquing may be done with any color of water-base acrylic craft
paint. Wash the metal piece with soap and water or alcohol first. Dry
thoroughly. Use a cotton swab to coat the surface of the metal with paint.
Immediately wipe or dab the excess color off the piece with a paper towel,
tissue or soft cloth. If you remove too much color, apply the paint and wipe
again. This process should leave color in the crevices of the design giving the
piece as soft antique look and highlighting the details. Let the paint dry for
a few minutes. Use a clear coat sealer or varnish over the piece. A thin coat
is all that is necessary. It may be applied with a cotton swab, brush or
sprayed. Let dry. Chains may also be antiqued to better coordinate with the
antiqued charms.
PAINTING: Water based acrylic, or oil based paint will work for this method.
Wash the metal piece with soap and water or alcohol first. Dry thoroughly. Use
a small paint brush to apply the paint in a solid coat to the metal. Do not
wipe off. Let dry. Seal as above. This will give the piece an enameled look.
METAL PAINT PENS: Easy to use with wonderful color results.
SEALING RAW METAL: To leave the original color of the brass, wash and dry metal
as described above and coat with a clear sealer or varnish. For a brighter
metal look, polish the brass and then seal.

Mj in southern California
Big 3 sites for newbies
http://www.dnai.com/~kdyer/ online stitchers "bible"
http://www.crl.com/~dmcmahon/ where the abbreviations live
http://powerup.com.au/~sheal/freebie2.html tons of freebies

[Lynn Eremondi]

Just as an interesting side note for anyone who is, or knows someone who
is allergic to metal--coat the underside of zipper pulls, snaps and
rivets in clothing with clear nail polish, too. Makes being dressed
much more comfortable. I know it's time to recoat DS#3's clothes when
he starts breaking out around his waistband and on his chest.

Lynn (Momof5)