How to Prevent Tarnish on Craft Wire

Choose a wire that's treated with a protective anti-tarnish spray (these wires are marketed and labeled as "non-tarnish"), or any wire that's sprayed with a color coat. Vinyl-coated wire such as any "soft touch" or other thick, but easily bendable wire will also retain its shine.

Conditions

Store wire in conditions that will be less likely to cause tarnish. Since tarnish is caused by air-borne particles (most notably sulfur), keep the wire in an air-tight container, such as a resealable plastic food container or plastic baggie. For sterling silver wire, you can also store the wire wrapped in a silver tarnish cloth (available at fabric stores).

Quantities

Use wire before it has a chance to tarnish. Purchase wire in smaller amounts at a time, or cut up a large spool of wire into shorter lengths and store those in sealed baggies until you're ready to use them. This way, the wire won't have a chance to tarnish.

Treatment

Treat finished wire craft projects with an anti-tarnish finishing treatment. A variety of polishes and sprays designed to prevent tarnish are available at craft and hardware stores. Get one that matches the type of metal your wire is made from. Make sure to spray lightly.

You can also spray your wire before you use it, but if you do so, don't spray it while it's on the spool or rolled up: stretch out the wire in a room where you have enough space to do so. Spray, let it dry, then roll it back up again.What To Do When It Happens Anyway

Just because wire has tarnished, doesn't mean it's done for. Clean your tarnished wire by coating a polishing cloth with the appropriate metal polish, then wrapping the cloth around the wire and rubbing down the length. Repeat with different, clean sections of cloth until the wire is clean and shiny again.