De-oxidizing a Silver Mounted Spigot?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

New Cigars




PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Status
Not open for further replies.

bron340

Starting to Get Obsessed
May 16, 2019
110
111
49
Minot, ND
How does one remove the oxidation on a silver mounted spigot stem? Do you immerse all of the stem or should you only soak the stem and keep the silver out of the de-oxidizing solution?
 
Okay. Silver polish, Glass cooktop polish, Chrome polish (all 3 of these have the same oxidizing components) will all work quite nicely and I bet you have at least 1 kicking around the house. Keep the polish off the briar.

If you feel like getting ripped off, go buy a silver polishing cloth for 5-15 bucks. That will work too.
 

ssjones

Moderator
Staff member
May 11, 2011
18,322
11,087
Maryland
postimg.cc
How does one remove the oxidation on a silver mounted spigot stem? Do you immerse all of the stem or should you only soak the stem and keep the silver out of the de-oxidizing solution?
Silver cleaning cloths work well, jewelry stores sell them. Definitely don't want anything remotely abrasive. Most of the jewelry guys here don't even like silver tarnish creme.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chasing Embers

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,570
27,077
Carmel Valley, CA
So, just the stem (removed) in solution if you really want to do a soak. And no solution should get on the sliver band or mount, nor the briar.

What do you plan to use?
I don't use liquid solution at all, just fine sandpaper, micro-mesh and if needed, mineral oil.

I use mineral oil on the stems and rim tops after every major cleaning. Impedes oxidation and makes for a nice finish. Not mirror-like, but shinier than matte.

In fact, OP, you might first try a light coat of mineral oil first, using a paper towel for some light abrasion. It might save you some work.
 

craig61a

Lifer
Apr 29, 2017
5,766
47,568
Minnesota USA
I personally would tape off the silver part with painters tape, then depending om the level of oxidation, I either scrape with a razor knife, I like the long ones that have break off sections. Scraping gets rid of a lot of oxidation fast. Then I sand starting with 320 flexible and mineral oil. Move up in grades and use mineral oil. Buff with white diamond, high shine using a microfiber cloth with some rottenstone sprinkled on it...

That's just me and items I have around the house.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmcmtk

dmcmtk

Lifer
Aug 23, 2013
3,672
1,685
"I personally would tape off the silver part with painters tape..."

Exactly. Just as an example of the idea, working on the stummel with a spigot mount.59795980

:)
 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,255
108,359
Stem oxidation can also be removed with a lighter and a wet paper towel to minimized material loss. You can get a mirror finish by using Barkeeper's Friend and following with plain white toothpaste for a mirror black finish.
 

bron340

Starting to Get Obsessed
May 16, 2019
110
111
49
Minot, ND
Usually I soak my stems in an Oxyclean solution to raise the oxidation, then sand with finer and finer grits of sand paper ending with micromesh pads for shine. I am curious if the oxyclean will hurt the silver. The pipe in question is a sterling silver army mount Peterson.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.