In our last installment of this How-To series, we taught you how easy it is to polish your silver at home. This time around, we want to take a look at the best silver polish to use. What to use, what not to use, and what to run away from immediately.
If you did a good job of storing your silver last time around (here are some tips for that), then you’re probably in good shape. But, if your silver has black spots or something broke, then your silver is going to need professional attention. Gives us a call!
Okay, back to what silver polish to use at home.
Here’s what you need to know:
#1 Use a gentle polish that contains wax, which helps protect against tarnishing. We recommend Howard Pine-Ola Silver Polish. Yes, we sell it in our shop.
#2 Avoid using a polish that recommends you “Wash immediately after use.” This suggests that the polish has an acid-based cleaner than can harm your silver and reduce its shine.
#3 A good polish — one that is cream-based with wax — maintains and protects your silver.
#4 Hagerty Silversmiths’ Gloves, which have a bit of polish included, are good to use after applying and rubbing out the silver polish.
#5 Do your best to avoid getting polish in the ornate areas of your silver. When the polish dries, it will put a white paste on your silver. If it happens, use an old toothbrush to get into those crevices.
Finally, remember that the longer you (gently) polish your silver, the more beautiful it will be.