Pewter, that soft metal look-alike for silver, is a marvelous material for jewelry such as belt buckles, bolo ties, pins, earrings... and, like any good metal, can become "polluted"... dirty, grungy, even stained with normal, everyday wear. Eventually, that lustrous sheen dulls... and it's time to revitalize and remember why you loved it in the first place... Yep, cleaning time...
Modern pewter is a piece of cake to care for using one of the following three progressively aggressive methods. Basic rules: use the least aggressive method necessary to achieve good results and do not let water linger on the pewter longer than necessary- buff dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Method 1: Basic mild soap and water (dish soap) plus that soft bristled old toothbrush you were throwing out. Remember to be only as aggressive with the toothbrush as necessary to clean those crevices and detail lines... Warning! ... bristles can act as chisels on enameled/painted surfaces, so avoid those!! Soft sponge or cloth is best- you do not want to scratch any surfaces. Rinse and buff dry... inspect. If needed, proceed to...
Method 2: Make your own pewter cleaner with the following recipe...
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 cup clear white vinegar (the cheap stuff)
- Approx ½ cup of flour, but enough to make a thick paste.
Rub the resulting paste all over your pewter, again avoiding the painted/enameled areas (if present) and again carefully using the toothbrush to help out in the crevices and detail lines. 2nd Warning!! The flour in this recipe acts as a rubbing compound and is quite capable of damaging your finish if used too aggressively. Now, rinse in nice, warm soapy water, then clear water and again, buff dry immediately and inspect. If you still need more...
Method 3: Spend a little money and purchase a commercial chemical compound (hardware/home center, internet). 3rd Warning!! Be sure that the label claims pewter as one of the materials for which it is designed. This cannot be stressed enough!! Also, if your jewelry piece has paint, enamel, or other accessories in it, be sure that the product does not attack them. No warranty will cover such damage... and it's obvious to any trained person. Follow the label directions exactly and inspect.
Somewhere in this process your eyes should behold the original glory that is your pewter's birthright of beauty. A little care and occasional cleaning and, in time, your pewter piece can be eligible as a family heirloom.
http://www.BucklesAndBling.com is my home e-commerce site carrying beautiful, high value pewter jewelry. Find superb belt buckles in many styles, from Western to Bling Bling, Native American to Harley. Pick up matching and complementary earrings, Bolo Ties, and pins to perk up any look or style! Visit us and fill your list with unique, beautiful, and long lasting pewter!... you'll be delighted by the unexpectedly high quality and value you'll receive!
Thank you for your time and interest!!
Further Reading:
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For More quality and unique Information on the topic of Pewter Jewelry, please visit the following reference site:
Pewter Jewelry
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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