www.925-1000.com

The above picture diplays results to date of my experiment
with the ordinary translucent top layer car spray.
Six weeks have passed and I discern no
ravages of chemicals, no stains nor discolorations.

The islamic plate, egyptian in origin and some 60 yrs old
did show the usual grime of half a century passed.
I have used proprietary liquid to dissolve the surface silver
sulphuric compounds and have done my best to clean it
mechanically afterwards. Then a generous few layers of
nitro lacquer spray, both sides(in a well ventillated area).

I was aware of prevailing opinion that chemical cleansing
of silver might make it more liable to further rapid chemical
degradation of its surfaces. However I do not plan to use this
decorative plate but just to display it on the wall. No knocking
about envisaged. So sealing of the surfaces with this easily
applicable lacquer did seem to be a good solution.

I have in my possesion a charming display plate produced
in 1972 by Franklin Mint of USA. The surface has been sealed
by the manufacturer. To-date it does show distinct yellowing but the engraving can be seen without hindrance. Accidental removal of
the part of sealant layer(somebody thought it to be grease of having it hung in the kitchen)-did reveal a healthy, blemish-free surface of silver.

So my idea is this: instead of becoming slave to my silver, having to run about all the time with a cleaning rug, I would like to protect my display only pieces in this way. Right or wrong?
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i wouldn't do it.
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Over the years, I have handled many pieces that have had their surfaces ruined by lacquering. If you care about silver and the conservation of it, don't do it. To see the long term results of lacquering -> viewtopic.php?t=10187
Note that nothing short of a heavy buffing is going to remove that pitting.

Regards, Tom
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I start regretting my vandalism by now.
Just gave a close inspection to the lovely relief Christmas plate.
Must have been in the drunken stupor when spraying it as one
can see blobs of solidified lacquer, few air bubbles and a number
of dodgy spots which might indicate an early corrosion. Worse criticism
-and I must credit the experts pontificating in those forums here-
is the fact that by initial cleansing of the surface with a liquid compound
and sealing it afterwards, I have converted the three dimensional work
of art into the boring, flat surface when seen at a distance, piece of metalwork.
On close inspection the Medallier(John Pinches of Birmingham,UK) has provided
a discrete patination, half-shades and that relief would evolve over a period of time
into a piece of nice old silvercraft. Well, hopefully application of solvent should restore a status quo ante.

Below is the evidence of my misdeed:


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Thanks For the great lesson on what "not to do" it takes a brave man to admit he was wrong, and I for one appreciate the lesson as well as you do.

Regards- Byron
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