Wired Up

Artistic Wire has been available for a number of years and though it came in an assortment of rainbow colors it was only recently that I discovered the beautiful finish called Non-Tarnish Brass.  Unlike the copper or bronze finish wire, the Non-Tarnish Brass has a lovely gold tone to it that works well with gold fill or gold plated findings. 

photo above ... Artistic Wire spools and my recently finished spiral beaded necklace

My first introduction to Artistic Wire was back in 2005 when I purchased a 12 spool assortment in jewel like colors for a beading course that I had signed up for.  The course required  very fine  wire at either 24 to 26 gauge.  Not normally a gauge that I would have much cause to use.  
In recent years Artistic Wire has introduced several new metal finishes that coordinate with the newer metals of today's chains and findings. 

Photo above ... close up of my handmade clasp and extender chain, made from Artistic Wire in non-tarnish brass.

Though I love the color the one downside is its non tarnish coating.  Unfortunately since the non-tarnish finish involves a clear coat of some substance (acrylic or vinyl?) it didn't take kindly to my flattening it with a hammer on a bench block.  I noticed that some of the clear coating chipped off during this process.  In the future I will have to forgo work hardening a piece and also make sure to use Tool Magic on my pliers to help protect this coating. 
If anyone makes wire findings or does wire wrapping I'd love to hear how you handle wire that has this protective coating on it.  Is there a clear sealant that one can use to "re-seal" this coating if it is scratched or chipped?