ProtectaClear 1 Oz. Clear, Protective Coating for Metal.

Q: When painting it on jewelry, does it matter the type of brush tip? Nylon vs. sable?

Since you're doing something fine like jewelry, I would recommend a nice small sable or horsehair brush, rather than nylon. Nylon brushes might create bubbles as you coat the ProtectaClear onto the metal surface. This is not an issue on larger surfaces where surface tension is reduced between brush and metal.

Q: How do you prepare your metals, preferably wire jewelry before applying this laquer?

I would GENTLY clean with 1/2tsp baking soda to 1cup of warm water. Use SOFT bristle toothbrush or soft natural hair paintbrush to make sure you don't have any stray metal bits. Then follow instructions for the product. I would definitely dip or brush the product on so as to get in between all the fine wires. If this is going to be a heavy wear item (rings or earrings)I would do a second coat wherever it is likely to wear most against the skin.

Q: When applying to costume jewelry, what makes this different from plain old clear nail polish? Does it last longer?

Yes ProtectaClear will last much longer. ProtectaClear is a polymer resin. It will never chip crack or peel, it will also never turn yellow. 2 good coats will get you 6 months to a year or longer of wear depending upon the use and abuse that the jewelry goes through.

Q: How long does it take to dry?

ProtectaClear can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to dry between coats depending on humidity. However, the coating will not be fully cured for 4-5 days (air cure). Or you can oven cure items (after they are dry to the touch) by placing them on some foil on a cookie sheet and baking the items for 1 hour at 180 degrees. The coating will be delicate until it is fully cured.