blueyes29
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posted on November 19, 2007 10:04:49 PM new
I know people have recommended good/GREAT polishes for silver before...but I never wrote any names down. Can anyone recommend a good polish for vintage silverplate flatware? Thanks...and I'll write it down this time!
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birgittaw
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posted on November 20, 2007 07:09:07 AM new
Wright's should be at your grocery store. Maas is great, but may only be available on line.
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on November 20, 2007 07:11:05 AM new
I don't know a good one -- I know a GREAT one that we (and our customers) swear by. It's called Cape Cod Polishing Cloths and it comes in the form of a polishing cloth that can be reused.
They smell like vanilla.
We buy them in a tin.
Word to the wise - get yourself some surgical gloves so that the tarnish doesn't get where you don't want it to be.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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davebraun
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posted on November 20, 2007 08:24:05 AM new
Wrights polishes by removing a layer of silver. That can be disastrous in the case of silverplate. The best and safest thing I have found is windex, the active ingredient is ammonia. Soak for about 10 minutes then rinse. Finish with a soft cloth. From a jewelry supply house try Goddards Silver Polish, or a rouge cloth. Good luck.
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max40
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posted on November 20, 2007 08:59:59 AM new
I recommend Maas, as mentioned before, or Simichrome. Both come in a toothpaste type tube, and both are VERY gentle abrasives. They will leave your piece with a mirror-like finish, and also leave a protective film to prevent retarnishing.
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tomwiii
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posted on November 20, 2007 09:26:20 AM new
OT, but, Simichrome Polish is also an EXCELLENT test for BAKELITE -- use a TINY bit on a white cloth on an obscure area:
YELLOW STAIN on yer cloth is proof positive for BAKELITE (apparently it reacts with the PHENOL base of BAKELITE)...Course, ya have to WASH yer item with mild cleanser BEFORE test so ya don't get a FALSE-POSITIVE caused by NICOTINE build-up...
Some folks swear by FORMULA 409, but, I've found the SIMICHROME POLISH to be an easier to tell PROOF POSITIVE...
[ edited by tomwiii on Nov 20, 2007 09:28 AM ]
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gasolineguys
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posted on November 20, 2007 11:18:41 AM new
when we were in the antiques business (40 years) the best we found is called Never Dull. Comes in a blue can and is a treated cotton, you just take out what ever you need. It works great on jewelry and anything you want to leave the patina in the low spots. Not like a dip it type that takes everything away. Do wear rubber gloves or your going to was your hands for a long time. A can lasts for ever. On ebay but the can is now black
Item number: 260182604757
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cblev65252
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posted on November 20, 2007 11:49:41 AM new
I don't use silver polishes of any kind. I use a jewelry polishing cloth. The more you use your silver, the less it will tarnish. Never store it in regular plastic bags. You can buy plastic bags that don't have the chemicals that regular plastic bag do, but I don't know where you'd buy them. Maybe a jewelry supply store would carry them.
Cheryl
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max40
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posted on November 20, 2007 12:06:40 PM new
The dip type cleaners will restore the silver color, but leave the finish with a matte look. Nothing but polishing will restore the shine to a piece of silver, aluminum, plastic etc.
I've only used the batting type cloths once, and with so-so results. It seems that it left the piece with a brushed type appearance, rather than a mirror like appearance.
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blueyes29
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posted on November 20, 2007 12:44:27 PM new
Thanks, all...great suggestions and I've written them all down! Happy Thanksgiving!
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mcjane
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posted on November 20, 2007 02:16:13 PM new
Simichrome, made in Germany, nothing like it. I used to buy it from a store that sold silver & Baldwin Brass, but found it much cheaper on eBay & in larger sizes too.
It cleans & polishes any kind of metal.
Comes in small tubes & also cans, I bought the 35.27 oz can.
If you have a stainless steel sink use it on that too. You won't believe what a job it does, makes it look like brand new.
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otteropp
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posted on November 20, 2007 08:34:01 PM new
No-one has mentioned my favourite...I love Twinkle..a sweet smelling paste. You dampen the sponge and rub it on and rinse under hot water. It is gentle on the silver as well as your hands.
I also like Never Dull for Brass and other metals. In England it was called Duraglit and I have fond memories of shining up my Brownie & Girl Guide badges with it!
So...that makes me older than dirt!
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ms24ktau
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posted on November 21, 2007 09:37:08 AM new
Simichrome is awesome !!
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on November 21, 2007 09:59:25 AM new
I use silver dips, polishes and polishing cloths (silver wipes).
There is no one solution that is best.
I probably use the silver wipes the most but I use the disposable kind. Reason? Tarnish buildup on the cloth will abrade your silver. I haven't found much difference in quality between the various brands.
Never dip any jewelry that contains natural materials. The dip will ruin it. Dip works well for 100% sterling silver items, though. Do not use it in a confined space. I use it outside and do a bunch at a time in a basin, rinsing thoroughly with a garden hose.
I buy my silver cleaning supplies at Bed Bath and Beyond.
fLufF
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Build an eBay business without selling a durned thing. Say goodbye to packing and shipping!
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blueyes29
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posted on November 21, 2007 04:50:31 PM new
Thanks again for all the great suggestions. I'll pass them on to my buyer who needed to know what to use to polish silverplate. Happy Thanksgiving all...as usual, one of the things I'm REALLY thankful for are all the helpful people on this board who so willingly share their expertise and knowledge!
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gasolineguys
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posted on November 21, 2007 05:36:50 PM new
I'll second that
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!
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