Barely Polishing the Silver

March 18, 2012
I am happy to report that I was lucky this week thrifting and found a silverplate candelabra and coffeepot. I still haven't run across that perfect sized silver tray I'm seeking, just very small ones.


Here is my candelabra...



Here is the coffeepot...


I love them! I paid $10 for the coffeepot and $8 for the candelabra.


I remember in the last few weeks reading a post on Rosemary's Villabarnes blog about polishing silver with cheap dollar store whitening toothpaste. (Rosemary's post: http://www.villabarnes.com/2012/03/not-just-for-teeth.html). The toothpaste cleans up a lot of the tarnish, but the piece is left with some tarnish in the grooves and retains an aged appearance.


I tried toothpaste on these two pieces. I want to do a maybe a little more cleaning than I did here, but I can tell I'm going to like the effect.



Thanks, Rosemary, for the tip! It worked great!



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Comments

  1. Sweetwater StyleMarch 18, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    I collect thrift store silver too...I use Wrights Cream to polish. Your silver is wonderful...take a look at my collection

    http://sweetwaterstyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/use-what-ive-got-challenge-4-goodwill.html

    PS. I am a new follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 18, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    I have never heard of that idea before
    they are very nice pieces of silver
    you really found a great deal
    -KAT-

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rosemary@villabarnesMarch 18, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Nice deal, and they're looking good. Thanks for the shout out.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kelly @ NJ HistoryMarch 19, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    Those are beautiful! That was a really good deal too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. chateau chicMarch 19, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    What great finds for such a little bit! Happy hunting for a tray.
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMarch 21, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    What beautiful treasures, and I can't believe what bargains they were! I like the idea of lightly polishing my silver. That is more than I do now. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Patti @ Pandoras BoxMarch 21, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    I have never heard of cleaning silver this way - pretty clever! And the 2 pieces are lovely - great finds!

    ReplyDelete
  8. CandyMarch 21, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Isn't that candelabra GREAT.....love the twisted arms. What great finds at such low prices.

    I just found you over at Gina's Transformation Thursday and have enjoyed your blog so that I've just become your most recent follower. Please come visit and hopefully follow back at PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com. THANKS.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMarch 22, 2012 at 2:10 PM

      Thanks Candy. I have been following you for quite a while. I see you second on my blog list!

      Delete
  9. foreverdecoratingMarch 21, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    They are beautiful and you are a lucky girl.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Rooms by AnnMarch 21, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    Your pieces are beautiful, Never herd of the toothpast polish I am going to try it. thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. JessiMarch 22, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    Great tip! I may try this. I recently pulled out a silver tray from my stash to use in my kitchen and it was/is quite tarnished. However, I didn't polish it because I didn't want that squeaky clean look. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. TracyMB @ Crows Feet ChicMarch 24, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Wow... that is a great tip. Can you imagine our grandmothers knowing that we are looking for a polish that leaves some tarnish?? he he Great price on your finds too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. CareyMarch 26, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Be careful with how often you polish like that - the toothpaste works well but eventually can wear through the plating and then you've got a funky looking item on your hands. Some good comments were left here about another interesting method: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-silverware-with-b-131048

    ReplyDelete
  14. DiannMarch 27, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Oh, both of your silver finds are wonderful! I can't seem to pass up old silver so, I have a lot of pieces. These two are gorgeous! I have never tried toothpaste for cleaning them. Hum, I might have to try it. Thank you for joining TTF and I hope you are having a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownMarch 27, 2012 at 7:54 PM

    Nice finds, you'll run across that platter when you least expect it! I am going to try the toothpaste on some of my pieces. Thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Katy @ Lolly LinensApril 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    Very nice pieces you got there!
    Thanks for the polishing tip - I'm going to get some tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete

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