How to blunt the edges of aluminum earrings

May 14, 2017 10:59 AM

I bought some beautiful stamped aluminum earrings (at least, I assume they're aluminum), and the edges are razor-sharp. They are thin sheets of metal, about the thickness of soda can walls. I would like to blunt or cover the edges so they're less sharp.

I was thinking of dipping each edge into some kind of clear, viscous substance that would leave a small protective layer on each edge, but I'm (a) not sure what to use and (b) open to other methods.

I don't think I could successfully fold the edges over, at least not by myself.

Thanks!

posted by delight to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

clear nail polish along the edges?
posted by H21 at 11:10 AM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

Just round over the edges with fine sandpaper. I'd start with 600-grit emery paper, cut a small piece, shape it into a curve and run it over the edges.
posted by ssg at 11:10 AM on May 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

I would just file the edges flatter with a nail file.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:33 AM on May 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

You could get some Sugru, roll it into little ropes, press those onto the edge of the metal, then let it harden.
posted by amtho at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

...Also, you could press something with a nice texture onto the Sugru after putting it on the edges, which could make it look nicer.
posted by amtho at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2017

Are they one sided? You could glue a layer of felt or leather to the back with the same shape but a slightly larger border than the aluminum.
posted by gennessee at 3:44 AM on May 15, 2017

A Dremel with appropriate attachments would handle that pretty quickly. They are often used for polishing, sanding, and burnishing delicate projects.
posted by cross_impact at 10:41 AM on May 17, 2017