Silver protection

Silver has been used for centuries for décor and household use by kings and commoners alike. In modern times too, the precious metal is used to make artifacts, jewellery, furniture and tableware. Other than gold, all metals tarnish and silver is no exception.

HERE ARE A FEW POINTERS ON HOW TO PRESERVE YOU SILVER AND COPPER WARE:

1. Artifacts can be displayed in glass cases to keep away from dust and pollution. This slows the tarnishing process.
2. Furniture items like sofas and tables made of metal usually come with a lacquer finish. But lacquering has to be redone once every 3-4 years depending on how you use the items, weather and pollution. It also depends on what kind of lacquering the manufacture has used. There are different types of lacquering. This has to be done by professionals.
3. Another way to protect the objects from air and water pollution is by using small amounts of microcrystalline paste wax.
   Rub the wax on the object, taking care to entirely cover it, wait for a few minutes and buff the wax with a clean piece of nylon stocking or silk cloth. To maintain the wax coating, periodically dust the item and check for tarnish. Re-apply in a year or two depending on your maintenance; The old wax has to be completely removed first by using mineral spirit.
4. For silver or other metal tableware like serving dishes, forks, knives etc., natural methods of cleaning and maintenance are necessary:
   Clean with warm water, salt and baking soda. Toothpaste can be used to clean silver. It has to be applied with a clean cloth as a gentle abrasive and rinsed with water. Using shikakai water is a good option for natural cleaning.

TIP: Avoid chemical dips on silver objects as these dips mostly have acids.

Parvathi Reddy is the executive director of NAR INFRA PVT. LTD. Interestingly, she also designed her own house. Write to info@deccanmail.com for more specialist DIY tips and guides on which brands to use for home building.