Any way to return sea seasoned silver back to silver color? N/T

[MassSaltH2O]

n/t

 

[Furious T]

It depends on how severly oxidised it is as to which method would be good to use. It also depends on whether there is a stone or other adornment in the ring or jewellery piece. Electrolyis is one method that a lot of people use for coins and plain rings. Others use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to return coins and jewellery to their former glory. Before you use any method, examine the coin or jewellery piece to see if it is valuable, because that may govern how you clean it and whether you should try to clean it at all. HH

 

[Raven69]

As FuriousT pointed out, check to see if it is a valuable item first. I use electrolysis to clean of any built up corrosion. You need to be careful here though as coins and rings that are mostly silver are fine, but if the coin is around 50% silver they can get a pinkish colour to them. After I have had my silver in the electrolysis for about 5-10 minutes I rinse in fresh water, then rub them with Bi carb soda. If the coin is just grey, I just use the bi-carb, best used as a paste, so add a couple of drops of water to it.

HH

 

[Atlas]

I found this web page a while back link below. It shows the step by step process the Fisher group uses to clean treasure coins. I was kind of surprised at the final step which includes tumbling.

Basically they hit with some muriatic acid (from your swimming pool) - then electrolysis - then nitric acid - yikes - then backing soda - then tumbling.
I've used diluted muriatic (HCL) but steer clear of nitric. I also have a small electrolysis set up which will get the major surface layer of oxidation off of silver but the coin may still be stained.

As stated above don't use any aggressive methods on a valuable coin.

The link

http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/SilverCoins0406.asp

 

[MassSaltH2O]

Thank you for all the advice. That bicarbonate soda, is that just baking soda? Thank you, kev

 

[Atlas]

That is correct Sodium Bicarbonate = Baking Soda = NaHCO3.

In Electrolysis set-ups the fisher recommended electrolyte is Sodium Carbonate = "washing soda" = Na[sub]2[/sub]CO[sub]3[/sub].

I guess it is a little less acidic than the Baking Soda. I used to use salt but read this on a pamphlet they gave me at the Fisher museum so now I use the washing soda in my electrolysis set-up.

 

[Scott(NH)]

A little electrolysis to soften up the corrosion followed by a nice whizzing with a Dremel brass brush attachment. Strangely, brass is softer than silver and will polish it up nicely. Works on the nasty silver coins too. Don't ever use it on fresh water silver, which usually retains more of its integrity under the crud and can be cleaned through less harsh methods to leave a collectible coin.

 

[ZOFCHAK]

Sorry, I had to post it.


http://youtu.be/dHJrWOMq_h8

 

[Gettheleadout]

Best commercial ever!!!

 

[BEACH HUNTER]

then place it in a jar with some soap & fine sand shake it to get the white paste residew off then you can wipe them clean. Here is some before & after photo's of beach silver. [attachment 255377 556213_3306991068345_1037620451_n.jpg] [attachment 255378 535348_3306975187948_1512064325_n.jpg] [attachment 255380 552860_3450828624194_1044197497_n.jpg]

 

[Bleaver]

If they have no other value thas silver content Rock Tumblers work.
I also clean silver jewelry this way depending on the piece.

 

[bigbaps]

15 -30 seconds of electrolysis with a 7.5v phone charger in a solution of water,salt and lemon juice works for me,check it out with old coins first and dont leave it too long though.you tube it