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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Is there a lacquer for silverware to prevent tarnishing?

I have quite a bit of silverware some of which is EPNS and some of which is silver plated. I have heard that one can have a lacquer finish applied to silverware to prevent tarnishing but I have no clue what the lacquer or process is or if the silverware is still usable or is reduced to becoming ornamental only. If I have heard correctly about this lacquer, where would I have it done e.g., a jeweller/silversmith? Can anyone help? Cheers, Melanie

Mel McHugh
homeowner - Gladstone, Queensland, Australia
2004

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You can try next website:www.slv.vic.giv.au/services/conservation/

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2004

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Try a clear nail varnish. This should work for a considerable time, but is not a permanent solution. Silver has a nasty habit of turning black because of sulfides in the air and on the skin that form silver sulfide. Virtually all unnoticeable coatings will be porous to sulfurous gases, so they will solve the problem indefinitely. When the varnish does fail, just remove it with nail varnish remover, clean the silverware and put on a new coating

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2004