Henry Wilson Posted May 21, 2011 Report Posted May 21, 2011 Hi all I think I know the answer to this one but will ask anyway. Is there away to recolour the lead plugs found filing the hitsu ana on tsuba? The reason I ask is because I recently got a tsuba that is / was covered in a thin layer of what is technically called crud. The previous own and I have been boning away but the soft lead plugs and the lovely patina have slight deteriorated in the process. Any ideas would be welcome. Quote
Ford Hallam Posted May 21, 2011 Report Posted May 21, 2011 Don't do anything. Lead will develop a subtle grey patina quite quickly. It's almost impossible to stop actually. :D Give it a few weeks... Quote
Henry Wilson Posted May 22, 2011 Author Report Posted May 22, 2011 I think I know the answer to this one but will ask anyway. I thought I knew the answer but Ford has enlightened me. That is great news actually. Many thanks Ford. Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 22, 2011 Report Posted May 22, 2011 Jumping on the bandwagon for a second. Apologies to Henry. I asked a Shirogane-shi to replace a missing strip of Sekigane in a Tsuba, which he did very nicely. I expected the copper would go dull and gain patina pretty soon, but even after two years it's still shiny. Should I take it back to him? Quote
Henry Wilson Posted May 22, 2011 Author Report Posted May 22, 2011 Hey Piers No problem in fleshing out the discussion. Good question I think. Quote
Ford Hallam Posted May 22, 2011 Report Posted May 22, 2011 Hi Piers, copper will usually tarnish fairly easily if left exposed to the air but it does depend on how often it's handled and the type of skin chemistry you have. I recently had an apprentice (I use the word very loosely ) who was able to get copper to tarnish overnight just from the briefest touch. The downside was that he also rusted steel tools in the same way. I'll pm you a little trick you might try. regards, ford Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 23, 2011 Report Posted May 23, 2011 Many thanks for the understanding, the quick replies and the useful tips. Now feeling much more confident. Step one is to go home and finger it with acid sweat! :lol: Over and out! Quote
Henry Wilson Posted May 23, 2011 Author Report Posted May 23, 2011 I'll pm you a little trick you might try. could you pm me too Ford. Quote
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