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Antiques & Collectibles

cleaning/restoring tin?

20 years ago

Any info out there? I have some small old tin items that are a little corroded, and some that are just very dull. Thanks for any help! Mol

Comments (6)

lindac
20 years ago
Are they tin or tin plated? Tin is very soft and wears away or scratches very easily.
Could they be galvanized?
Linda C
Molly Adams
Original Author
20 years ago
oh boy, i don't even know! I have tiny old ice cream spoons, the kind that came with hoodsie cups before they switched to flat little wooden spoons. How do i tell tin from tin plated from galvanized? I need tin 101, i guess...thanks for your help,Linda. Mol
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lazy_gardens
20 years ago
Use a magnet ... plated items are zinc or tin on thin steel. The magnet will stick.
Molly Adams
Original Author
20 years ago
so, they are zinc or tin plated-now, how to clean/refinish? Thanks! you folks are the best! Mol
lindac
20 years ago
Wash gently with soap and water and dry them well. They are likely tin plated steel....and not stainless at that. They are old....they look old....isn't that the way antiques are supposed to look?
Linda C...an antique herself!
lazy_gardens
20 years ago
And you might want to apply a good automotive paste wax for protection.

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