Ask the Experts Beading Q&A

I am working with stainless steel wire, knitting a necklace and bracelet. I notice the wire is really dark. What can I do to clean stainless steel wire and make it brighter and more shiny?

- Mariel

Before weaving, gently clean the stainless steel wire with water and baking soda or vinegar and rinse with water. Wipe down the wire gently with a microfiber cloth for water spots. This may be all you need for a brighter color of stainless steel. 

You can also try a polishing cloth as a final polish. Don't overwork this wire in the cleaning or polishing process since you'll need to have the wire as malleable as possible for your weaving designs.

If you prefer a brighter silver-white color, opting for sterling silver-filled wire, non-tarnishing Argentium® sterling silver wire or standard sterling silver wire would be good choices for your designs; the same concerns apply for work-hardening. 

When polishing designs made using these precious metals, you can use a weak solution of water and dish detergent in a rotary tumbler filled with 1 to 2 pounds of stainless-steel shot.

- Sandra Lupo, Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist and Instructor