Stop copper from tarnishing?

I have to disagree on this one. I have no affiliation with Legor
but their clear nano ceramic electro plating solution works great
and makes the piece hypoallergenic. A great product. No oxidation
ever. 

It is a good coating but not permanent, it does wear.

From Rio’s catalog page

" Coatings can wear thin over time, depending on how the coated
jewelry is cared for and maintained, and may need to be re-applied."

James Binnion

I imagine you've already tried watercolor masking fluid? And high
temp spray paint won't work, because it's too hard to remove? 

Yes; and, no kind of spray paint will work because 1) paint is
opaque and 2) spray doesn’t allow me pinpoint control of where to put
it.

I feel as though it may come across that I’m just finding reasons to
object to everything, but my needs are very specific and difficult,
which is why I haven’t found the exact right thing though I’ve tried
quite a number of things.

Noel

What you are experiencing is the heat being given off by the
current. 

It is more likely the severely oxidizing nature of the surface of
the anode breaking the adhesion at the boundary of the mask. Oxygen
is liberated on the surface of the anode during the process. The
current flow is very short so no heat. As soon as the voltage is
applied the titanium oxide builds up to the point that the current
flow stops.

James Binnion

You are correct James. It will wear off over time but in my
experience it isthe best option out there. As I said I have pieces
done 2 years ago and they are still looking like new.

I have 20-30 year old Phill Hartsfield knives with copper and brass
that have still not tarnished. Not sure what he used. Possibly just
the Choji oil as on the blade. I think he also used Clove oil and
Ren wax. There are some other knife nuts on here that may know.

Charlie

I have 20-30 year old Phill Hartsfield knives with copper and
brass that have still not tarnished. Not sure what he used.
Possibly just the Choji oil as on the blade. I think he also used
Clove oil and Ren wax. There are some other knife nuts on here that
may know. 

Choji oil is clove oil. Choji is the Japanese word for cloves.

Elliot Nesterman

Elliot, Charles, or whomever can answer,

What does clove oil do for the metal besides scent it? :wink:

Cheers!
Becky

What does clove oil do for the metal besides scent it? ;) Clove oil
is used as an anti-rust coating on Japanese swords. It's a very
thin oil which does not significantly thicken in the short term. 

When cleaning sword blades first the old oil is removed by lightly
powdering the blade with uchiko (powdered limestone) and wiping off
the powder and the oil it picks up. Then a fresh film of choji oil is
applied before the blade is replaced in its scabbard.

Elliot Nesterman