How to Stop Metal from Tarnishing

Most metals will tarnish over time due to dampness in the air, but how do you stop metal from tarnishing? Below is the best process to use.

Metal is always in contact with dampness and water vapour that is in the air. This is often from condensation or just general day to day humidity. The metal will oxidise over time and will get worse as time goes on. There is a simple solution to prevent tarnish from occurring by using a product called Priory Polishes Jade oil. This is the only genuine original formula of Jade Oil that was previously called ‘Rustins Jade Oil’ and is still manufactured by Rustins Ltd for Priory Polishes. This works as the Jade oil displaces the moisture from the metal and also leaves a protective film to stop moisture settling on the metal again. This will help to stop any future tarnishing and can also be used on metal before waxing, oiling or painting as a base coat.

Oxidisation on Metal will make the surface look dirty and dull. You can often reverse this by using a Metal Cleaner. Priory Polishes have developed a metal cleaner for use before the use of applying Jade oil to bring your metal back to its beautiful original sheen. This will remove most old tarnish and then you can apply the Jade oil to protect for the future. We do recommend adding a coat of the oil once every few months to keep your metal in good condition.

Prevent Silver from Tarnishing

Sterling silver is made up of from a mixture of pure silver, but it also has a small amount of Copper. It is this small amount of copper that will cause your silver to become tarnished and dull over time. It can often make your silver look a brown / grey or black and will cover your entire surface of your metal. If the silver is so badly tarnished, then you can use the metal cleaner first to bring back the amazing shine. Once clean, you can use a silver polishing cloth to keep your silver looking beautiful and this will protect from future tarnish. You should also always store your silver in a cool, dry place that is not in direct sunlight when not in use.

Prevent Copper and Brass from Tarnishing

Humidity is the biggest cause for Copper and Brass to Tarnish and this is mainly due to salt in the air. The salt in the vapour causes a very quick reaction to the metal and this makes tarnish happen at a fast rate.  This can be on anything from decorative items, antiques, brass door handles and hinges and much more. We have a couple of solutions for this. If your items are small enough, you can use Priory Polishes No1 Brass Cleaning Solution. You dilute with up to seven parts water and soak your brass and copper items to remove all tarnish easily. This is widely used in clock restoration to clean clock mechanisms but also on many more objects. If the items are too large to be soaked or too difficult to dip then we would recommend the use of the metal cleaner. Again once the metal is clean and free from tarnish, coat with a layer of Jade oil for future protection. Re-apply whenever needed as it literally takes seconds to wipe over your metal.

Prevent Iron from Tarnishing and Rusting

Iron is very susceptible to oxidisation from water and if not treated quickly and correctly, it will corrode and damage the metal beyond repair. There are a few products that you can use to prevent this and also offer future protection. Rustins Rust Converter has been developed to neutralise rust and stabilise the metal surface. It will also add a protective layer once fully dry against water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide. It will seal the metal with no primer required. For Mild Steel, I would recommend Rustins Rust Remover but this can also be used on Iron. After use of both these products, you will need to protect the Iron further by using a metal paint and we do have a good selection here.

Products used in this Article

Here are some of the products used in this article that will help to stop metal from tarnishing as they all have unique properties especially for this purpose.

I hope this offers a good insight to preventing tarnish and as always if you need any further hints or tips, please add to the comment section below.