Durable Silver Oxidation with Liver of Sulfur: Tips & Techniques

Question
Is the blackened finish produced by using liver of sulpher durable?  If not, how can it be made to be more durable?  Many thanks!

Answer
Cathy, a good liver of sulfur patina is about the best and most durable oxidation for silver. Be sure the item is very clean prior to application of the liver of sulfur.  You might get a stronger surface by letting the color develop slowly in a weaker solution.  When the solution is too strong and you get instant black, sometimes the layer may fleck a bit now and then.

Almost no patina will last forever and abrasion is the culprit of the liver of sulfur oxidation..  The advantage of the oxidation of liver of sulfur is it mimics natural patina and in time natural patina will also develop helping to add durability to the original.  On method to add durability is ok but I don't like it: A clear lacquer coating over the patina.  This looks quite unnatural and to redo or repair any scratches means removing the lacquer and starting over again. I would use lacquer only on temporary colors which are quite delicate or which will darken naturally and loose original color, such as the deep yellowish stage of silver oxidation.

Cathy, I hope this helps somewhat.  God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.