Silver

[blr1911]

So I had my 1S at the local tobaccoist this afternoon shoring up my University Flake stash, when a regular notices the silver on my pipe is oxidized. Promptly pulled out a tube of Fitz (from behind the counter) and wanted to help me polish her up for me.

Why oh why would anyone want to do that?

 

[riff raff]

So I had my 1S at the local tobaccoist this afternoon shoring up my University Flake stash, when a regular notices the silver on my pipe is oxidized. Promptly pulled out a tube of Fitz (from behind the counter) and wanted to help me polish her up for me.

Why oh why would anyone want to do that?

Shiny good?

 

[Wet Dottle]

Shiny good?

And Flitz is a great product for that. I use it.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Personally, I dig the patina-silver look. *shrug* On Peterson pipes it looks neat.

8)

 

[Hobo Hoot]

I never clean my silver as the date letters rub off so easily. I'd rather keep those than try to impress anyone.

But my friend Hobo Dave polishes his every smoke, for him having a spotlessly clean pipe is a constant source of joy. It is for me as well, but I just don't extend that to include silver polishing.

Different nuts for different monkeys I guess!

 

[Kyle Weiss]

What I want to know: how to encourage patina on the silver bands. I have one silver band on a GBD Prehistoric Prince that was a charming aftermarket repair job, has hallmarks, too--I just wish it'd get that "granny's fancy sugar urn" finish on it.

I'm worse about that than I am my meerschaums coloring. :lol:

8)

 

[Hobo Hoot]

Lol.

Any citrus juice will do the job in seconds. Lemon if you want a super heavy tarnish, apple for something milder. Warning tough, it's better to do several diluted passes with a rub-down in between than to leave pure juice on there. Always a chance you could pit the surface. But in diluted form with several passes it should be fine. This is how to build up a quick patina/protective coating on those carbon knife blades as well!

 

[Kyle Weiss]

See, I was considering some kind of acidic foodstuff, because the 30% hydrochloric acid I use for rocks in the field seemed a bit...over the top. I think it'd turn it black. :lol: I'll have to get a cotton swab and a few gentle consumables known to lean acidic and see what happens. I don't want it looking like crap I just slathered on the metal, but I suppose I can always polish it and start over. *shrug*

Basically a cold-blue for my silver. :mrgreen: (...not that dark, though...)