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Learn more about "Tarnish"
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Tarnish'''Tarnish''' is a layer of corrosion that develops over copper,
brass, silver, aluminum as well as a degree of semi-reactive metals as they undergo oxidation. It is analogous to rust, but with a slower rate of occurrence. It is mainly caused by chemicals in the air such as sulfur. It appears as a grey or black film over the metal.
Prevention
In objects which are primarily for display rather than use, the tarnishing process can be prevented in the long term by tinning, a process by which the reactive substance is coated in a non-reactive substance, such as tin or wax, and thus protected from oxygen.
For more frequently used items such as silverware, tarnish is easily prevented by constant use and washing with a mild dish soap.
Removal
"This kitchen version of electrostripping is safe and easy. It's especially useful for removing tarnish from flatware and holloware. In a pot lined with aluminum foil, mix a diluted solution of equal parts of baking soda salt, and liquid soap. A quarter cup of each to a gallon of water is a typical mixture. Set the sterling in the pot; bring the mix to a simmer and allow it to stand for 10-20 minutes as the oxides are transferred to the aluminum, which you'll see is darkened. Throw that away and wash the silver before using it".[ (McCreight, Tim. ''The Complete Metalsmith''. Brynmorgen Press Inc., Portland, Maine. 2004.)]
Another way to treat tarnish is to put a drop of water and some toothpaste containing SnF2 (stannous fluoride) on a tissue and rub it on the affected metal.
References
Category:Chemical reactions
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Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL
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