How Do You Remove Tarnish from Silver Bars? (2024)

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Buying silver bullion in the form of bars is a great way to build up wealth without risking money in an unstable market. Many financial experts recommend buying silver bullion to save money when investing in precious metals. This is because bullion is the least expensive way to invest in silver, as it’s the closest to the melt value. However, silver tends to tarnish over time. Remove the tarnish and restore it to its natural luster with a few simple steps, offered by the precious metals experts from First National Bullion, the silver and gold dealers Scottsdale collectors rely on for outstanding quality and service.

Why Silver Tarnishes

Though tarnish on silver doesn’t reduce its monetary value, it can make it unsightly. Cleaning and polishing the bars can bring back their natural beautiful luster. Silver is a precious metal that reacts to hydrogen sulfide. When exposed to the natural hydrogen sulfide and moisture in the air, the silver reacts with the gas and becomes discolored. Over time, this dark layer will entirely cover the silver bar and tarnish it completely.

Preventing Tarnish

Silver tends to tarnish more quickly in areas with high levels of humidity and pollution, which means the best way to keep silver from tarnishing is to prevent it from being exposed to air and water. Storing silver in tightly sealed zip-top plastic bags can keep both water and air out. When handling the bars, always wear white cotton gloves to protect the bullion from the natural oils in your hands. Never use wool or rubber materials to wrap your bullion, as these can increase tarnishing. Additionally, heat can also speed up the process. Storing the bars in a cool, dry place is the best way to prevent tarnish from making your silver look unsightly.

Removing Tarnish from Silver Bars

If your bars are tarnished, take steps right away to remove the tarnish, and then store them properly in the future. To remove the tarnish, you’ll need:

• A pan with high sides
• Foil
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Water
• 100 percent cotton cloths

First, line the pan completely with foil to protect both the pan and the silver. Next, put several cups of water in a saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high.

While the water heats, combine the baking soda and vinegar in the foil-covered pan. One part of baking soda should be used for every two parts of vinegar. Once the water is almost to a boil, remove it from the stove and pour it on top of the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Place your bars in the mixture, spreading them out so they don’t touch. Allow the pieces to sit untouched for 30 minutes. The chemical reaction among the vinegar, baking soda, and hot water will remove the tarnish immediately.

When the time is up, remove each bar, rinse it, and buff it dry with a 100 percent cotton cloth. Continue to buff until the silver shines. Silver is an extremely soft metal, so take care when buffing so you don’t scratch the bars.

Whether they’re looking for expert advice on taking care of their precious metals or they want to buy silver bars, Scottsdale residents should work with trustworthy precious metal dealers who offer high-quality service and have years of experience. Call on the industry-leading professionals at First National Bullion when you’re ready to invest in precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Give us a call today at 480-546-8928.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious mtals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.