Here is an $8 thrift store find from a few years ago that I want to put on the coffee table. It's silver plate and was tarnished beyond belief. Then, it sat in storage for about 3 years and got even worse. I got it out recently and this is what it looked like. I wasn't even sure it would ever turn out like I hoped it would. So I scrubbed hard the last few days, and this is the result!
I used a toothbrush and scrubbing sponge, soaked it with vinegar and baking soda, and finally rubbed it with SILVER POLISH. I would NOT recommend vinegar and baking soda for your fine silver, but it's perfect for getting out the small bits of tarnish in a shabby chic piece. It ended up shiny with the edges and handles still kind of dark, sort of a casual chic. Next stop, coffee table!
well worth the effort!
ReplyDeleterather nice too
You know, I "almost" gave up about halfway through cleaning it, I just thought it wasn't salvageable. That's when I thought, well heck if I'm going to just throw it away, why not let the vinegar and baking soda soak for a few hours (something you probably wouldn't want to do to Grandma's silver, ha) and when I started scrubbing, more stuff came off. So this is the end result.
DeleteIt is a pretty piece, not real silver of course but still real silver plate and I just like the ornate design, it's a neat contrast to the farm house. But more on that when I get it put on the coffee table.
Look at you luring me over with shiny objects. ooh.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That made me laugh!!! Hey, whatever works, right? :-)
DeleteWhy don't you remember the colored lights next time and make it official. ;)
DeleteHA!! I'll see what I can do. ;-)
DeleteSo pretty! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it did come out much nicer than I expected but just as pretty as I had hoped, ha.
Deletewonderful find!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out to be one huh? My only wish is that it was solid silver, dang, why do I never find THOSE deals? Haha. Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteOkay. . .a trick I learned in furniture painting classes. . .spray it with a good coat of lacquer. . .I like the high heat ceramic automotive spray paint! Looks great. . .
ReplyDeleteJanice
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Wow, what a great idea! I never thought about that. Thanks for that tip. I'll check it out!!!
DeleteVery nice too.
ReplyDeleteI love a thrift store find that can be cleaned up and turned back into something pretty.
DeleteOk, I'm convinced now, I'm going to shut down this computer and go do some looking at my local thrift stores. I might even go to one I've never been in before.
ReplyDeleteIt's like a treasure hunt, you just have to search until you stumble across that one thing you can't live without! Good luck!!! :-)
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