keep silver in -mint- condition

[jamibean]

Hi all,
Recently a bought a pair of cugar caster in the UK, made by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths co. in 1912, in mint condition and beautiful patina.
They stand on an antique side table, so i can take a look at it anytime i like. I like to enjoy my antique stuff and not putting it away.
My question is how to keep them in that perfect condition, without using cream. What about the silver cloths ( a hope this is the wright word for it) they are selling? Or is cream the only solution?
I have searched this forum and the internet, but i can't see the wood for the trees.

Thanks,
Jamibean
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[dognose]

Hi,

I've never used it myself, but there is a product called refined microcrystalline wax that is used by restoration specialists and museums that is supposed to retard tarnishing. It is apparently odourless and does not attract dirt.
An online search should turn it up.

Trev.
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[jamibean]

This is what i found (for the moment)
Maybe i send a mail to the British Museum and ask them about the use on silver.

Thanks Trev.

Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish is a blend of highly refined micro-crystalline fossil-origin waxes developed by the British Museum and used by restoration specialists world-wide on virtually all solid surface materials - including wood, metal, marble/onyx, shell, stone, ivory, plastics, smooth leather, and even paper. The hardness of a matured wax coating also gives excellent protection against finger marks, which are easily buffed away.

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A Question for all users. How do you keep your silver in condition?
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[gardenartus]

The best way to keep the patina without adding more or taking away from it is to simply wash it in a warm, low or no ph soap, water. Before using any cloth on it rinse it under water first to make sure no small particles will scratch the surface while cleaning it in the soapy water.

If you don't wash it every few weeks you will end up with more patina that will eventually not look so pleasing.

If you use a cream it will end up taking the patina off. Which I think this isn't what you want?

I have micro wax I use on many things. I will try it on some silver and see if it keeps it from tarnishing and let you know.
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[silverhammer]

The micro-crystalline wax you speak of is Renaissance wax which I use quite often. You can purchase it here: http://www.restorationproduct.com/index.html.

[JLDoggett]

Renaissance Wax is a wonderful product!