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Thread: Final wash of 925 sterling silver pieces?

  1. #1
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    Question Final wash of 925 sterling silver pieces?

    Hi,
    Can anyone offer some advice on the final wash of 925 sterling silver pieces? I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner and currently just do it by hand with a soft toothbrush and ordinary dishwashing liquid. Is this OK? I’m not concerned about fine scratches as the pieces don’t have a mirror polish finish.

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    Washing up liquid is fine. When I did my training there weren't ultrasonics and we used the hardest industrial washing liquid and a sponge or toothbrush

  3. #3
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    I agree that washing up liquid is fine, but I would suggest that you use a larger bristle brush rather than a toothbrush, it make washing out easier, I use this type; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...ush&channel=uk

    James

  4. #4
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    I mostly use a toothbrush, washing up liquid and hot water. I'll use my ultrasonic on occasions where there are some stubborn bits of polishing compound lurking in details, but generally I hate the thing, as it leaves a strange white bloom on mirror finished pieces.

  5. #5
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    I use an old electric toothbrush mostly, works fine for me
    Poor old Les

  6. #6
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    One other little tip is to have a jam jar of Polyclens, if you hang the polished item in the liquid for a while, the Polyclens will dissolve and loosen any polish residue that may be hidden in tight corners or patterns. Then it's easier to wash out with a brush and soap afterwards.
    This tip was taught to me by a professional polisher some 30 years ago.

    James

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    I keep meaning to try Polyclens on setters wax - meths is very slow to dissolve the stuff, acetone works quickly but I'm not that keen to have acetone knocking around on the bench.

  8. #8
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    Polyclens isn't much better really. MEK, and Acetone were the fastest, but know what you mean. Additionally, Neither are good for the lungs or hands.

  9. #9
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    Default Kellz

    Quote Originally Posted by handmadeblanks View Post
    Hi,
    Can anyone offer some advice on the final wash of 925 sterling silver pieces? I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner and currently just do it by hand with a soft toothbrush and ordinary dishwashing liquid. Is this OK? I’m not concerned about fine scratches as the pieces don’t have a mirror polish finish.

    Thanks in advance.
    I use luxi polishing compounds and after each one I wash the item in hot soapy water and wipe with a tissue. I then do a final polish with Vienna Lime. It is like talc and you can sprinkle it and rub with a soft cloth or dip your polishing mop in the powder. It seems to absorb any residue and gives a mirror finish.
    (It isn't actually lime I think it's some sort of calcium.

  10. #10
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    Vienna lime is calcium carbonate - limestone or chalk. Quicklime & slaked lime are calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide. Agricultural lime is mostly limestone.

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