Consulting the Silver Expert

SILVER STORAGE AND DISPLAY, PART 3 OF 4

3M & Intercept Anti-Tarnish Strips ^©

3M Anti-Tarnish Strips can be used to absorb tarnish-producing gases. The strips are made from a 45-lb. paper containing activated charcoal. They guard against corrosion, tarnish, and discoloration by absorbing airborne pollutants. These strips can also be used to protect objects containing copper, brass, solder, gold, and tin. 3M strips absorb on both sides.

 

Intercept Anti-Tarnish Strips, on the other hand, consist of a polymer matrix with copper bound in its structure. The effective surface area of copper available for reactions is twice the size of the polymer strip. The chemical reactions that take place with Intercept and corrosive gases permanently convert them into non-reactive compounds in the polymer and purify the enclosed environment. Intercept creates a neutralized atmosphere that protects all materials enclosed with it against corrosion and aging. Moisture that migrates through the packaging material will also be cleaned of corrosive elements. Intercept reacts with corrosive gases in less than an hour. The strips, which protect on both sides, should be placed near the objects to be protected.

Each 3M and Intercept 2″x7″ strip will protect an area up to 424 cubic inches, the approximate size of a flatware chest. Protection time depends on the nature and permeability of the storage container and on the pollution level of the surrounding atmosphere. The following guidelines apply to an average atmosphere:

• 6 months for a loosely sealed container (e.g., cardboard box, china cabinet, or flatware chest);
• 12 months for a moderately sealed container (e.g., lightweight polyethylene bag);
• Up to 24 months for a tightly sealed container (e.g., low-permeability polyethylene bag).

The strips should be replaced in a timely fashion because once they are fully saturated with pollutants, the strips will become inactive.

Although both of these products work well, I recommend the Intercept product because

1. It neutralizes and prevents the gases from reacting with the silver;
2. It won’t eventually out-gas like the 3M strips;
3. It is not as abrasive to the silver if they rub against each other.*

* Intercept claims its strips are non-abrasive, but any plastic that is rubbed against silver will leave very fine lines that will be most evident on highly polished objects.

Warning! Although camphor has been used as a tarnish absorber for many years, it is considered a poisonous substance.

Mr. Herman continues to offer his services to our readers for any questions you may have about the care of silver. Either contact him at (800) 339-0417 (USA) or via email jeff @ hermansilver.com

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

 

Consulting the Silver Expert

SILVER STORAGE AND DISPLAY, PART 2 OF 4

Materials to Avoid

Some storage materials should be avoided: Wrapping in newspaper or binding in rubber bands can cause deep discolorations that may have to be removed professionally. Never use plastic wrap, as it will bond to silver over time, requiring solvents for removal. Finally, non-archival corrugated cardboard boxes may contain acids and sulfur that tarnish silver aggressively.

Storing Tarnished Silver

If a silver piece is already tarnished, even if it be heavily blackened, it need not be polished before storing: doing so will only reveal fresh sterling or fine silver electroplate that will then be exposed to the elements.

Display Cases

To minimize the formation of tarnish inside display cases, use 3M or Intercept Anti-Tarnish Strips  and Silica Gel to keep relative humidity low. Certain paints, oils, and fabrics within the case can accelerate the formation of tarnish. Therefore, if the case or cabinet is made of wood, the interior surface should be sealed, preferably with lacquer or water-based polyurethane. If latex paint is used, allow it to dry for at least four months before storing silver in the case. See the dramatic difference when silver is not exposed to tarnish-causing particulate.

Both sides of a silver-plated luncheon knife were exposed to the open air for 14 months. The top image is the knife as it sat on a buffet, face up. The bottom image is of the side that was facing down and, therefore, not directly exposed to harmful tarnish-producing particulates. This is a clear illustration that silver will maintain its finish over a longer period when kept in a case or enclosed cabinet.

 

Mr. Herman continues to offer his services to our readers for any questions you may have about the care of silver. Either contact him at (800) 339-0417 (USA) or via email jeff @ hermansilver.com

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.

 

Consulting the Silver Expert

Car Wax for Tarnish Protection

In addition to well-known Renaissance Wax, another tested and proven long-term tarnish protectant is non-toxic Meguiar’s Quik Wax. I tested both waxes on a large plated waiter and placed it in my kitchen and then my workshop, as I felt that would approximate a real-world test. After one year, both waxes had prevented the formation of tarnish. However, I prefer Meguiar’s over Renaissance for three reasons: it is non-toxic, easier to apply and buff, and less expensive.

Meguiar’s Quik Wax is applied to metal by spraying, and then buffing with a cotton cloth. Though non-toxic, Meguiar’s should not be used on flatware or other surfaces that will be used to eat or drink from. It can, of course, be used on the exteriors of coffeepots, creamers, and the like. Meguiar’s can be found in most auto-supply stores.

Mr. Herman continues to offer his services to our readers for any questions you may have about the care of silver. Either contact him at (800) 339-0417 (USA) or via email jeff @ hermansilver.com

 

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.