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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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How do I know if it is silver-plated or not?

2005

We have a notebook from a supplier with a metal clip at the top. We want it to be silver-plated. We have one sample here and it does not tarnish so we have doubt as to whether it is really silver-plated.
How can we test to check if it really is silver-plated - is there a simple method we can try in the office?
If not, what would be the cost of commercial testing?

Julie Johnson
Stationery Wholesaler & Manufacturer - Heilbronn, Baden-Wuerttenberg, Germany

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2005

Your silver plated part probably has a clear coat applied. Ask your prospective vendor.
To check if it is plated, lightly sand it with 180 carbide (any wet or dry one). Then clean the surface with fingernail polish remover and wash with a cheap dish soap. Put it into a ziplock bag (sealed) with one hard boiled egg yolk that has been crumbled up. If it is silver, it will be black the next day. If not, clean more aggressively and add another yolk. If still not black, I doubt that it is silver.
But, if it looks good and does not tarnish, why not use whatever it is.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida