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Author Topic:   Pumice use on Sterling
jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 02-19-2005 05:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hello!

Can anyone tell me if pumice is good to use to rub out black spots from sterling silver pieces, or what method could one use.

Thank you in advance.
Jersey

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Marc

Posts: 414
Registered: Jun 2002

iconnumber posted 02-20-2005 01:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Marc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi there Jersey,

Ouch!... No Pumice.. Not ever.. Well hardly ever, but not in this case.

First let me say that the black spots (Silver Chloride) can be removed with an abrasive. On small and medium size spots, I use a pencil eraser.. Yes that's right.. the back end of a pencil. Then I polish the treated area and blend it in with its suroundings.

For large black areas, I seek profesional help, and take the piece to my local silversmith. Believe me.. it is worth every penny to get it professionally done.

I hope this helps.

Marc Cutcher

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agleopar

Posts: 850
Registered: Jun 2004

iconnumber posted 02-20-2005 08:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for agleopar     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just to add to Crutcher's good advice.

Another way is a soft piece of wood, a match stick, old orange sticks (for cuticles), or a shishkabob (sp?) stick. With a regular silver polish use the wood to help rub on just the spot. Then polish as above to blend in.

The trick is to use something that will be aggressive enough to tackle the spots, but not so abrasive as to cause scratches (like pumice) that you then will need professional help to remove. By staying on the spot you will have a less obvious removal. Silver is really very soft and the lovely surface only comes after years of the appropriate polishing.

Any thing that causes a marred surface that can not be blended back by polishing, to look right, has to be done by a silversmith.

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jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 02-20-2005 11:03 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi Marc & Aglepar!
Thank you both for your informative and quick responses. I will try both of your methods and let you know how I make out. One of the pieces in question is an old serving spoon with lots of little black spots. I still use it on occasion but I don't think it's worth taking it to a silversmith. It will make a good practice item & I won't be sad if it doesn't help. Stay safe & thanks again! Jersey

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