Removing polish residue

Questions on polishing, restoration, conservation + manufacturing techniques
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Tricky625
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2016 6:21 am
Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Removing polish residue

Post by Tricky625 »

I have an issue where I bought a sterling silver salt cauldron which has quite an intricate, fairly deep pattern. in the depths of this pattern is what I believe to be the remains of some sort of silver polish. It is white in colour.

What is the best way to remove this?

I am hesitant to use any type of silver cleaning solution or chemical etc as the piece is 260+ years old and I really do not want to damage it.

The below is just to show the pattern and depth of the engraving etc, the polish residue in question is not all that noticeable in the pic.

Image
AG2012
contributor
Posts: 5576
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:47 am

Re: Removing polish residue

Post by AG2012 »

Soak in hot water in a plastic container for a couple of minutes and use very soft brush while still immersed (tooth brush will do, what does not damage your tooth enamel will not damage silver).Then rinse with tap water. Do not use any chemical or abrasive.
Regards
Tricky625
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Feb 04, 2016 6:21 am
Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Re: Removing polish residue

Post by Tricky625 »

Thanks AG2012, that worked a treat.

Regards,
silverhammer
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:35 pm
Location: Rhode Island, USA

Re: Removing polish residue

Post by silverhammer »

Good advice, AG2012, but I recommend a natural horsehair or Tampico brush as they won't scratch when used with water. Nylon scratches.

Jeff
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