How to Clean Silver Bands

[sablebrush52]

I do apply a microcrystalline wax to the band when I do a clean up and renewal as a temporary barrier. Mostly I keep them out of light and open air when not in use. That's the nice thing about a cased pipe. These:

are 112 years old and have never needed polish.

 

[irishearl]

I reiterate: rubbing with pipe ash is so much easier and does not require taking off the band.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

and does not require taking off the band.

I wouldn't recommend anyone take the bands off to clean them.

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I'll put in an order for some microcrystalline wax then.
Thanks for the tip mate, I've been polishing every 7 days or so and although the silver looks lovely and shiny it is a good bit of work so anything that can slow the tarnishing a touch I'm more than willing to give a try.

Chris.

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I do apply a microcrystalline wax to the band when I do a clean up and renewal as a temporary barrier. Mostly I keep them out of light and open air when not in use. That's the nice thing about a cased pipe. These:

are 112 years old and have never needed polish.

Yeah I noticed my Baki Calabash in its case doesn't tarnish, unfortunately my other 2 spigots don't have a case so it looks like it'll be a never ending 'Golden Gate Bridge' job of constant polishing every week or two.
Unless I just leave it and go for an antique look that is.

Chris.

 

[boffosquid]

I use a product I source from Maison Birks (a higher end jewellery chain here in Canada - though I bet the product is available from other suppliers). Its called "Silver Foam" - 500gm jar. I tape the wooden stem area adjacent to the silver band, then I wet included sponge, dip into compound, lightly apply to silver band, removes tarnish and polishes the silver surface. Wipe dry with cloth - gleeeeem! Leaves a layer that inhibits tarnish formation.

Birks ® Silver Foam 500g - https://www.maisonbirks.com/en/birks-silver-foam-500g - $25 Can. Lasts forever. Really good stuff to use on the family sterling and plate. Helps build character for visiting bored elementary school-aged grandchildren....puf

 

[hauntedmyst]

I use the same product I clean the oxidation from the stems, Flitz polish. It is a gritless, non-toxic polish meant for use on fine metal surfaces, but works great on vulcanite stems, silver and other metal bands and ornaments. It's available at Ace Hardware and Amazon.

+1 on this.

 

[gerryp]

Tip: A piece of masking tape around the shank will keep your polishing product from getting on the briar.

Edit: I just noticed boffo already mentioned the tape. My bad.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Tip: A piece of masking tape around the shank will keep your polishing product from getting on the briar.

Edit: I just noticed boffo already mentioned the tape. My bad.

If using a Jeweler's cloth, this isn't necessary. You can even polish up the briar and stem while you're at it with zero clean up afterwards.

 

[rogers]

@cosmicfolklore Thanks for that link. $6 well spent. Polished up my metals easy breezy.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

@cosmicfolklore Thanks for that link. $6 well spent. Polished up my metals easy breezy.

glad to help!

 

[f5rd2hy]

I let mine patina... a BST commission.

 

[briarbuda48]

A jewelers cloth is all I’ve ever used. The results are almost instantaneous an thecloth has lasted years.

 

[gamzultovah]

Believe it or not, a very soft pencil eraser works wonders on silver. But I agree with the folks that say a jewelers cloth and crystalline wax (like Renaissance) is the safest method.

 

[Chasing Embers]

a very soft pencil eraser works wonders on silver.

And brass.?

 

[jppipe]

jeweler's cloth here as well. And if you get a good one -- it will last decades or until it's rags.