Klarinet Archive - Posting 000728.txt from 2002/03

From: Neil Leupold <leupold_1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] tarnishing on silverplated keys
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 07:00:22 -0500

What is often left out of these suggestions re: chemically treated cloths
(the Blitz cloth was my favorite; haven't seen those in a while) is that
it's probably a good idea to wipe down the clarinet and keys with a clean
lint-free cloth (I just use an old cotton t-shirt) after cleaning the keys
with the silver cloth. When removing tarnish with a chemically treated
cloth, there isn't just material being removed from the keys. The chemi-
cal itself is being deposited in its place, which could hasten the deter-
ioration of the silver plating even more rapidly than the tarnish that you
just removed. It's kind of like wax on a car's paint job. Wiping away the
wax removes a microthin layer of your paint job away with it (well, the
clearcoat, anyway), which may be why it looks so shiny and new afterward.
Leaving wax on too long could do more damage than good. The Blitz cloth,
and other silver cloths too I'm sure, come with the chemically treated cloth
on the inside, and a clean untreated cloth on the outside precisely for buf-
fing the keys after cleaning them.

Just something to consider.

~ Neil

--- Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net> wrote:
> At 08:18 PM 3/24/2002 -0800, Miss Valentine wrote:
> >What can I use to clean the silver of my keys? And
> >what is the best way to keep the silver from
> >tarnishing in the future?
> >
> >My clarinet is going in the shop tomorrow for some
> >cork work and I took out my spare (which is also
> >silverplated) and some of upper joint keys are
> >tarnished! I've never seen this happen before and
> >have not played on this horn for about a month. Any
> >help please??
>
> There are special cloths available from music stores (possibly jewelry
> stores as well) that are chemically treated for removing light tarnish from
> silver and nickel. They are quite inexpensive, effective, and will not
> cause a buildup of residue or pad damage like using silver polish
> would. There are also chemically treated paper strips that can be kept in
> the case to reduce tarnishing. They can be found usually in jewelry
> stores, since they are perfect for keeping with your good silverware.
>
> Also, try not to keep rubber items like erasers in your case. They
> sometimes release sulphur which accelerates tarnishing.
>
>
> Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
> 451 Old Orchard Drive
> Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265
>
> If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!
>
>
>
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