Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

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

-----

Silver smut and oxide removal

I am currently an intern in the Research and Development department. Currently I am working on a project about smut removal. We have some parts that have oxide and smut on them. I desperately need a way to remove these inorganic substances. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you very much.

Lee Wlaznik
- Rockford, Illinois, USA
2006

Maybe try a dilute nitric acid dip.

Terry Tomt
- Auburn, Washington
2006

Use this site's search engine for 'silver polish.'
letter 4785 is good: Hot water + baking soda [on eBay or Amazon] + salt + aluminum foil should do the trick; also, a number of commercial products are mentioned.

Ken Vlach [deceased]
- Goleta, California

Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
2006

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: