Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Care of Gold Tankards

Regarding a collection of Gold Tankard awards - what is the best method to keep these clean and shiny? Hope this isn't too vague as I don't know anything else about the objects.

Sarah Wright
hobbyist - Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
2004

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2004

If the awards are real gold, they most likely will not oxidize. Just polish with a soft cloth to keep fingerprints and oils off them.

If they are brass/bronze/copper use a commercial metal polish, perhaps Nevr-Dull [affil links] or Brasso [on eBay or Amazon].

If they are silver or nickel silver, I suggest using a commercial silver polish and protectant.

If they are plastic, clean with slightly damp cloth and then buff with a clean cloth.

If clay or glass, be sure that it is not a leaded glaze or glass (heavy metals like lead are used to get metallic colors in glazes and glassworks), clean with Windex Commercial Line [on eBay or Amazon] to keep shiny, soap and water if it is for drinking.

I truthfuly need some more information on the objects if you want any further information on how to care for them, like what are they made of, what is their use, and where will they be stored?

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina