Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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How do I Solve a Silver Tarnishing Problem?
Quickstart: The responders emphasize that while rhodium plating or clearcoating might reduce tarnish, many consumers don't mind silver jewelry tarnish and some even like it, but nobody wants to buy tarnished jewelry -- so the best plan may be better packaging and storage until sale including silver saver bags. The idea is also raised that Argentium® silver is known for its reduced tarnishing.
Q. Dear Ted,
I have written to you before (thread 36689) regarding this problem which is still not resolved!
We are currently plating our jewellery in silver and then flash rhodium finish and sometimes just silverplate with a protective coating finish as our clients wish to have a silver finish to each item. However, despite this finish both result in tarnishing of product upon client receiving same.
Therefore, can we coat with clear clad on top of the silver plate to prevent the tarnish effect? If so, how do we source clear clad? If clear clad is insufficient to prevent such tarnish, is there any other finish that we can use on top of the silverplate to try and prevent such tarnishing whilst maintaining a "silver" appearance or should we just use palladium and then rhodium as a finish to prevent tarnish and forego the silverplate?
Appreciate your advice and kind help!
Kindest,
- Hong Kong
2006
A. I am no expert in marketing of silver jewelry, just another consumer, John. But I think it is probably fair to say that although many people like the look of natural silver and the way it tarnishes over time, almost everyone wants their jewelry to be bright and clean on the day they buy it. So I still feel that the principal problem may be that your packaging and shipping methodology doesn't get it to the consumer untarnished, rather than the problem being your metal finishing procedures.
So I think you need to be looking at the drying, the humidity control during shipping and storage, the possibility of improving your sealing of the packages, freedom from sulfides in your packaging materials, how VCIs can be incorporated in the packaging, the possibility of using anti-tarnish pouches, etc.
But, yes, electrophoretically applied lacquers are known for how thin the deposit is, so it may be possible that an electrophoretic lacquer can provide the coating you are looking for. Lacquer specialists like our supporting advertiser G.J. Nikolas [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] may be able to help you. Or you might try Technic.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Many thanks Ted for your kind advice and reply, much appreciated! I will follow up with your recommendations.
Kindest,
John
Premium Resources Limited - Hong Kong
A. The key will be to reduce the negative effects of hydrogen sulfide. Anti-tarnish "Silver Saver" is a paper coated with chemicals that neutralize the effects of hydrogen sulfide on silver. It is a product most popular with the electronics makers of lead frames for example.
Scott Kotvis- Alsip, Illinois, USA
2007
A. Try Argentium(R) sterling silver(925 parts silver + copper and small percentage of germanium alloy-100% tarnish free!).Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
adv.: Discover the choice made by manufacturers
nationwide for high quality jewelry plating & finishing
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