Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




-----

Maintaining brass cutlery in constant use

2002

I have a solid brass cutlery set in daily use, but it tarnishes in days, even overnight ! it seems. Cannot use usual 'polishes' as these are eating implements and the time factor makes it impossible. Stored in an open wooden box, in vertical position on kitchen counter, am guessing that the 'openness' of the storage may promote oxidization ? Being put thru the dishwasher helps but tarnish reappears very quickly. Need a simple, cost effective and time effective means of maintaining this set.

Help please from anybody would be appreciated.

Jenny Anquetil
- UFTG, Victoria, Australia

---

2002

Hi, Jenny. Please look up 'corrosion-intercept'. It sounds like a promising answer. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

---

2003

I have the same question. I bought a set of flatware in Thailand - looks to be brass, but the back of some of the pieces say nickel. After using them each day, they have to either be washed AND dried immediately, or put in a tub of soapy water to soak until they run through the dishwasher. Otherwise, they end up with big black smudges where food (acids or bases?) had touched the surface. Either way, after an number of uses, they are a dull grayish color. I think they may even have been original coated in a varnish but that is long gone. Any ideas how to keep them clean and shiny on a daily basis? Thanks!

Dianne Matten
- Oakton, Virginia