I take silversmithing classes at a local art center, in their humid
basement studio. The liver of sulfur in chunk form doesn’t seem to
last long, before we buy more, (and store it properly as described
by many wonderful Orchidians), I wanted to hear opinions on premixed
liquid LOS. If you have used it; what was the specific brand? do you
suggest it? how long is its shelf life, (really)? should it be
placed in a specific type of storage bottle? how does its use differ
from dried LOS?
When we decide to stay with the lump form, is there a place that we
could purchase quantities less than the 8oz can so there is less
wasted?
Thank you for your kind help on this and many other questions to
which I have found the answers here. This site/forum is the
definition of “Freedom of Information”.
how long is its shelf life,(really)? should it be placed in a
specific type of storage bottle? how does its use differ from dried
LOS?
Keep the liquid in a closed, glass or plastic bottle with a plastic
cap or cork. Never store in metal. Keep it out of the light. A brown
or dark container is best. As you use the solution, top it off with
water so that there is little or no air in the storage bottle. A full
bottle will keep for months. A half empty bottle will spoil much more
quickly. An open bottle, quicker yet.
The solution gets weaker as you top it off. But weak solution works
better than dead solution.
Finally, I have something to share!!! A million years ago, Charles
or Alan gave a class this tip and I use it all the time.
Go drink a bottle of Grolsch Beer… it comes in a dark green bottle
with a rubber stopper. IT is GOOD beer too!. Clean out the bottle and
stuff some of the liver of sulphur into it. I break mine up with a
screwdriver. Add distilled water and shake. It lasts FOREVER!!! I use
a drop here and a drop there and can still get the effect that I want
year after year… I keep the bottle in my laundry room, so no direct
sun, but I live in Arizona and don’t turn on the air until it is
really hot out…so the stuff doesn’t decompose in the heat, just
light and air.
I also, close the can with the liver of sulphur and reseal it with
GLAD’s press and seal. IT really helps to keep the air out and then I
put the can into a Zip lock…
So, go drink a great beer, and you can have working liver of sulphur
for years.
and poor me, I had to drink another one for my class at school ;>)
I also discovered this liver of sulfur storage trick many years ago.
Grolsch comes in both amber and green bottles. The ceramic and
rubber stopper keeps the air out and the colored glass eliminates
most of the light. (The 2 enemies of los.)
I mix a very syrupy and concentrated elixir and store it in the
bottle. When I need some, I add a bit of this concentrate to some hot
water and dip my piece in it. Works great. I don’t bother with
distilled water, but that may be important in areas with hard or
otherwise tainted tap water.
I mix a very syrupy and concentrated elixir and store it in the
bottle. When I need some, I add a bit of this concentrate to some
hot water and dip my piece in it. Works great. I don't bother with
distilled water, but that may be important in areas with hard or
otherwise tainted tap water.
Andy- Do you have a formula/recipe for your concentrate? Do you just
combine the whole 8oz container of lump into 1 bottle of water? or
what?
Joan-I have the bottles just need to empty them, poor me!
Go to a hardware store or garden supply store and buy a bottle of
Lillie Miller Polysul Dormant Spray. It will be in amongst the
gardening chemicals. Make sure you buy the version that mixes with
water. This is a liver of sulfur concentrate, its shelf life is great
and it is inexpensive and easy to find.