I have been using steel wire to make a few chains and other pieces
of jewelry. I have been purchasing the wire at the hardware store in
the building supply section. I wonder what I should do to aid in rust
prevention. Some of my pieces have begun to rust while they are just
sitting around with no water exposure apparent. I see projects using
the same type of wire in many magazines and the instructions never
mention rust protection. I do tumble my steel pieces until all of the
black coating is gone and then dry thoroughly. There is some
beautiful work being done with steel combined with precious metals
and gold and diamonds included, so I think there must be
something that can be do ne to protect it reasonably well. Also,
will there be an adverse reaction if the steel items are worn in
direct contact with the skin.
Steel wire or piano wire will rust. It must be Stainless Steel to
avoid rust.
Stainless steel comes in two basic varieties…hard and soft. Soft is
more stainless and more malleable. Hard is stainless enough and quite
hard and springy.
I have been purchasing the wire at the hardware store in the
building supply section. I wonder what I should do to aid in rust
prevention. Some of my pieces have begun to rust while they are
just sitting around with no water exposure apparent.
All steel is not created equal. Inexpensive, hardware store steel
wire is usually mild steel with high iron content. As you’ve found
out, it rusts. Stainless steel is alloyed with chromium, and provides
resistance to corrosion. Most jewelry made with steel is stainless
steel. Otherwise, you can try paint or other corrosion inhibitors,
but it’s a losing battle.