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Author	Topic: Silver tarnish
fidda Posts: 45 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 01-19-2005 04:29 PM Hi, I would like to know some things regarding tarnish... Does tarnish corrode silver or does it not "eat away the surface" so to speak. Does tarnish spread? i.e., a patch will grow bigger? Thanks for help. IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 01-19-2005 07:20 PM The black tarnish found on silver is a caused by sulphides in the atmosphere or on items put in contact with the silver. The atmospheric sulphides are not corrosive per-se. Some sulphides and chlorides can cause pitting and ugly scarring. Rubber is high in sulphides and that is why one should never tie flatware with rubber bands. In time they will pit the silver where they have come in contact with the silver. Salt (sodium chloride) can cause pitting and severe damage if it is left in contact with silver and moisture. Salt should always be removed from salt shakers and cellars when not in use and the silver should be washed to remove salt residues. Perhaps some of our resident chemist can further clarify the issues of tarnish from sulphides and chlorides. Fred IP: Logged
fidda Posts: 45 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 01-19-2005 07:37 PM Thanks for the reply. I have recently acquired a large Victorian salver which is chased, in the grooves of the chasing the silver is not shiny but tarnished (I think it is tarnish at least). This is normal since I have seen many and most are like this. I think you get what I mean - for example in the engraved decoration the lines appear black because I presume the grooves in the silver can not be reached while polishing and tarnish accumulates. Also there is some tarnish in the grooves of the cast shells and flowers that make up the boarder. I was really wondering if this should be cleaned up (which without using a dip would would take very long indeed) or just left as it seems to be normal. I might be nit picking really but I have spent quite a bit on this and it is a new addition to my collection so I might be excused for that reason. Anyway I was just wondering if this tarnish in the grooves and hard to reach places is corroding my silver or if its harmless and best left alone? Thanks! IP: Logged
fidda Posts: 45 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 01-19-2005 09:24 PM ok I think I answered this myself- I used the search option on this forum and in one post I quote - "PS. The "dips" (i.e., Tarn-X) are good for a quick clean but don't really do a thorough job of getting the surface clean. Usually after several cleanings with a "dip" the silver begins to look greyish and you will end up polishing again. The dips also remove the "good tarnish" that provides the shadows and contrast that make your silver pattern stand out. My advice, is to use "dips" sparingly and they are best used on vermeil (gold wash)." By Scott Martin. Hmm so its "good tarnish"' ... good! IP: Logged

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