Protection, Displaying and Storing Antique Silver…
Silver antique guide,silver storage solutions,care of silver
Chemical dips and Galvanic reduction are two methods that are commonly applied
for getting rid of tarnish from silver
antiques. However, moisture and tarnish-producing gases still
remain strong enemies. This problem can be resolved with the usage of 3M
Anti-Tarnish Strips. These strips are nothing but 45-lb paper containing
activated charcoal. Whatever harmful substances are present in the atmosphere,
they become food for the Anti-Tarnish Strips! Both sides of each Strip are
active in preventing discoloration, tarnish and corrosion. Think your silver
items are safe from oxidation?
Now, how much protection is afforded by this method is entirely dependent
on the level of pollution, the type of container used for storing the
silver pieces and how air-tight each container is. A flatware chest for
example, can be adequately guarded with the aid of a 2” x 7” Strip. Anyway,
use these guidelines to figure out how to keep your artifacts safe—a tightly-sealed
container will remain safe for 24 months; moderately-sealed polybag, 12
months; and loosely-sealed cardboard boxes, China cabinets, flatware chests,
6 months.
Okay, coming to the display of your precious antiques.
You would like to show them off at their best, naturally! Do not go in
for waxing or lacquering your pieces as far as possible.
Unevenly-applied coating is going to result in streaks and tiny holes.
As soon as the tarnish returns, you will have a very difficult job in
trying to make the object look as good as new! Yes, if you feel that your
items are out in the open and some sort of superficial protection is required,
then you can go in for something like micro-crystalline wax. You will
have to accept that the original sheen will be reduced a bit, though.
As far as enclosed cabinets or display cases are concerned, place some
activated charcoal (in a sealed bag) or a water-absorbing desiccated silica
gel inside. They will get rid of tarnishing gases and moisture. Additionally,
polyurethane or lacquer coatings on the interior wooden surface will not
allow the oils and paints inside the case to form tarnish. Finally, if
you prefer latex paint as an interior coating, then please wait for four
months (to help it dry) before placing any objects inside the cabinet.
You may not wish to keep every object on display; some might require
storing. Well, let each piece be wrapped up in non-buffered tissue paper
or tarnish-inhibiting cloth first. This is protection against humidity
and harmful substances. Now, place each wrapped item in a polyethylene
bag and seal it. If you are still apprehensive, then push in some Anti-Tarnish
Strips or containers with desiccated silica gel and activated charcoal
inside each bag before sealing it. There, your silver is perfectly safe!
