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Preventing tarnishing of silver / natural substances

I am a 7th grade student in Tucson, AZ and am researching the use of natural substances to prevent tarnishing, specifically of silver. I have heard mention of "E-coating" and "organic films." I would appreciate references and directions to sites or books which more thoroughly explain these processes, as well as any direct explanations you would be kind enough to offer me. I appreciate it very much, and I enjoyed reading about the other questions on this site.

Sincerely,

Alia R
7th grade student - Tucson, Arizona, USA
2006

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I'm not sure quite what you would include in your list of natural substances, or how much benefit they would be, but wax would be of some limited value at least in slowing tarnishing.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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Dear Dr. Mooney,

By "natural substances" I meant carbon-based substances such as food derivatives (fruit juices mixed with salt, for example) or things like wax as you mentioned. I have seen through my research websites of companies that produce very high tech anti-tarnishing substances (films and lacquers) and advanced types of tarnish remover, but I would prefer to use easily accessible items for my science experiment(s)although I might include some kind of nail polish lacquer, or an artist's lacquer also for comparison. You mentioned that wax slows the amount of tarnishing and I wondered if you had a suggestion about a safe and effective way to apply it. It's okay if you can't respond again because of the holiday, and I appreciate very much your taking the trouble to help me some.

Alia R.
- Tucson, Arizona, USA
2006

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My suggestion is to approach the problem systematically:

1-What causes tarnish?
2-How many different ways could I keep tarnish from happening?
3-which of those concepts could be accomplished using "natural" materials?

Hint - It depends on how you define "natural", but try looking up how shellac and lacquer are made.

Robert Zonis
- Shelbyville, Tennessee, USA
2007