…And now it’s ruined. A friend of mine has an antique silver tea set, formerly very photogenic, appearing often in local newspapers and magazines as a prop. It was lent out for a wedding, and well, you know how people getting married are. The whole set was polished to its utmost, down to the last crenellation, reversing decades of carefully encouraged tarnish.
Apparently, it’s extremely important for antique silver to be tarnished in the cracks, and to have a delicate patina on the smooth surfaces. Or something. I don’t really care why. Whatever the reason, it has fallen to me to make this thing look like shit again.
The poor thing has been sitting out for over a year now, and has tarnished some. I give it another ten years or so, and it’ll be back in business. But it’s a star! Photographers are clamoring for it! So here are the questions:
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How does one increase the oxidation process on silver, with particular emphasis on getting the hard-to reach corners? How about a fan to increase airflow?
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The set is pretty dusty now. Will dust help or hinder?
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Moisture? Should I be misting this thing with water or something? Salt water encourages rust. Would it be insane to try this on silver?
This problem has been placed before me because if there’s one thing I’m a natural at, it’s entropy. Really, I should be wearing a cape. Unfortunately, my usual magic touch doesn’t appear to be working. I thank you in advance for your suggestions.