J.IIC-CG VOLUME 15 (1990)

Historical Silver: Storage, Display and Tarnish Removal

Lyndsie S. Selwyn

The display, storage and cleaning of historical silver is discussed in detail along with silver tarnish and its cause. Recommended storage includes wrapping silver in good-quality tissue paper followed by sealing it in a polyethylene bag. The use of lacquers or waxes to protect silver from tarnishing while on open display is described. For closed display cases, the use of silica gel to maintain a dry environment and the use of activated carbon or a suitable commercial product to remove tarnishing gases is recommended. The principles and problems associated with tarnish removal using abrasive polishing, chemical cleaning or galvanic cleaning are explained.

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