Liver of Sulphur

This is the link i used to find out how to use liver of sulphur. I followed the step by step instruction on how to use the chemical.
http://www.metalclayuk.co.uk/asp/LOS.asp

** First of all read the Safety Information and if you have not already done so read the Explanatory Notes ** Make sure you wear gloves and have good ventilation before starting. It is a good idea to wear long sleeves as well. Almost everyone who uses Liver of Sulphur has their own way of doing it, and there is more than one way to achieve a desired effect. As with most chemical reactions, the higher the temperature the faster the reaction. LOS can be used up to temperatures approaching boiling point, but the hotter the water the more hydrogen sulphide gas is given off. This gas is TOXIC so good ventilation is essential. LOS is also a powerful irritant to the skin so covering any exposed skin is a good idea. The Basic Recipe 1 small piece of liver of sulphur, about 6mm in diameter (slightly larger than a peppercorn) 500 ml hot distilled water - it is perfectly acceptable to use tap water or bottled mineral water but be aware that minerals in them may affect the colour of the result. 1 tablespoon (15ml) clear household ammonia (optional) and/or 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure salt (sodium chloride) (optional) - it is perfectly acceptable to use iodised table salt, sea salt or iodised salt but be aware that they may produce variable results You will also need: Small bowl of clean hot water, hairdryer or cup warmer Small bowl of cold water - iced if possible Small glass bowl for mixing up the LOS solution Soft toothbrush Washing up liquid Kitchen towel Tweezers or a short length of wire The piece to be coloured must be perfectly clean and preferably finished to a mirror finish where patina will not be required. It is easier to remove unwanted patina from a mirror finish than from a textured one, even if the texture is satin. Scrub the piece thoroughly with washing-up liquid and the toothbrush under running water, being careful not to touch the areas to be coloured (grease from your fingers will affect the reaction and lead to uneven colours). Dipping Method Add the hot water to the lump of Liver of Sulphur, add the ammonia and/or salt if used and stir until the LOS is dissolved. The resultant solution will be very pale yellow and smell of rotten eggs. The smell is hydrogen sulphide gas so do not bend over the container. Use a short piece of wire to make a handle to hold the piece, or hold it in tweezers. Immerse the piece in the hot water and blot it dry quickly on kitchen towel. Alternatively, warm it with a hairdryer or place it on a cup warmer for a minute or two to warm up. Heating the piece before dipping it ensures that it is the same temperature everywhere and avoids differential heating when the piece is dipped. Dip the piece into the LOS solution and remove it immediately to the bowl of cold water to stop the reaction. You should see an immediate colour change which may be pale yellow or a darker colour - it all depends on how hot and how strong the solution is. Wash the piece in soapy water and rinse well. Repeat from step 3 until you have achieved a colour you like. Use fine polishing papers or metal polish to remove patina from areas to be left uncoloured. Polish the patina to a sheen by buffing very gently with a soft cloth. Too much buffing, or too hard will remove the patina. If you have not taken the colour to blue-black it will continue to darken as a result of contact with sulphur compounds in the atmosphere. You can prevent this by polishing the patina with beeswax or museum wax, or by applying a protective layer of lacquer or acrylic sealant. Painting Method Follow the steps as for the dipping method but at step 4 use a paintbrush to apply the LOS solution to the selected area. Masking Method You can prevent patina from developing by painting selected areas with nail polish or a permanent marker and letting it dry before using the dipping method. The nail polish/marker ink acts as a resist and is subsequently removed by cleaning the piece with acetone or an acetone nail polish remover on a cotton bud. About Gold Liver of Sulphur will not affect fine (24ct) gold, so is perfect for emphasising areas gilded by Keum Boo or application of Accent Gold for Silver™. It will however colour carat golds to a darker shade. Storage Keep your Liver of Sulphur stored in a cool, dark place. Lump Liver of Sulphur is best stored in a plastic bag with a desiccant sachet inside an airtight plastic container and if correctly stored will remain effective for 2 years or more.
	Troubleshooting
	Patina flaking off	The solution was too strong or the piece was left in it for too long. You can get the deep blue-black by long soaking or by using a strong solution, but this results in a thick layer of patina. It is better to use a weaker solution and multiple dippings, with rinsing in between dippings, and build up the colour gradually.
	No colour change at all	If lump LOS has turned grey or liquid LOS has lost its colour and smell then it has become ineffective and should be disposed of.
	You hate the result	Refire the piece either in a kiln or with a torch. This will remove the patina.
	Colours have gone too far	Refire the piece either in a kiln or with a torch. This will remove the patina, and you can repolish the piece before trying again