This is one of the bracelet I kept for my personal collection. It is a Multi Strand Bracelet with a square knot slide closure made with C-Lon Tex 400 Bead Cord and 4mm Titanium Coated Rainbow Hematite Beads. I wear it a lot, it's colorful and fun to wear. A few weeks ago while vacuuming my room, I heard a bunch of clinks... that sounded like beads being vacuumed up...
Sure enough, when I emptied the vacuum in a garbage bag,
the bracelet was there... but is was filthy.
Cleaning Steps
Wash the piece with soap and warm water,
and rinse it under running water.
Let the piece dry on a clean towel.
Now it's ready to wear.
If after you wash it, you still notice that the cord is a bit greyed out, or clouded over, or you see some whitening of the cord especially noticeable on darker cord, then cleaning is not enough, add the restoration step.
Restoration for Bonded Nylon Cord
For all C-Lon Bead Cord (all 4 sizes), Tuff Bead Cord, D&E Bonded Nylon, or any of the older brands of bonded nylon #18 such as Conso or Mastex.
Take some isopropyl alcohol, soak it in a lint free cloth such as an eyeglasses cleaning cloth, rub the cord, and let it dry. Make sure to lay the piece in its proper position as this also blocks the piece.
This final step with the alcohol restore the bond transparency and the restore cord memory. The bond is softened by the alcohol and dries again fully transparent once the alcohol evaporates. The cord will naturally return to the position it had when the alcohol dried.
Bond - What is it? The bond is a polymer clear coat added to the cord after the nylon fibers have been dyed and twisted into a 3-ply cord. The coated cord is baked in ovens. Quality control is important along this process. A properly applied bond adds a clear coat that holds the fiber together and make the cord abrasion resistant.
Bond - What is it? The bond is a polymer clear coat added to the cord after the nylon fibers have been dyed and twisted into a 3-ply cord. The coated cord is baked in ovens. Quality control is important along this process. A properly applied bond adds a clear coat that holds the fiber together and make the cord abrasion resistant.
I usually do not vacuum my jewelry, this was a first time event, and the perfect incentive to share and illustrate the cleaning process. These are the steps I take when cleaning my personal jewelry, or when someone send me a piece for repair that needs it too.
Interested in making this bracelet? > Multi Strand Bracelets
Interested in making this bracelet? > Multi Strand Bracelets
5 comments:
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for including this cleaning and restoration process.
Just a quick note - I saw a spelling error that I thought you might want to know about so you can correct it.
(Take some isopropyl alcohol, soak it in a link free cloth) I think you meant to say "a lint free cloth" ?
Darlene
Noted and corrected. Thanks!Marion
Hi, you seem to know a ton about c-lon thread. I am new to it and I am having a hard time finishing my projects. I crochet bracelets. how do I secure them so they don't come lose? I don't want to do a square knot. I heard that I can use a lighter. I would like to use a toggle closure or button that is secure. can you steer me in the direction of a tutorial? thank you
The alcohol does wonders for black cord that looks dull and greyed.
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