Pewter is formed by combining several other metals.There are certain types of pewter that need polishing.Regular polishing is required for polished pewter and silver pewter.Before you can polish pewter, you have to clean it.To restore shine to your pewter, use a quality polish.It's important to avoid common mistakes, like putting pewter in the dishwasher and using silver polish on pewter.
Step 1: Pick out the type of pewter you have.
Different pewter requires different methods to be polished.If you want to polish your pewter, you need to know if it is polished or not.It will be shiny and smooth.It should look better before the cleaning and polishing process.There is a grainier finish to polished pewter.It isn't usually shiny.The oxidized pewter has a darker finish.Products made from pewter look like antiques, and are darker in color.It doesn't need to be polished.You don't need to wash it.
Step 2: Pick a cleaner.
Most of the time, you'll need to clean your pewter before polishing.Most types of pewter respond well to metal cleaner, which you can find at most hardware stores.Mild dish soap and warm water may be a better idea.This is not as taxing on pewter.There are some cleaners that double as polishes.It's a good idea to check if your cleaner can also be used as a polish.
Step 3: You can mix a handmade cleaner.
Most types of pewter can be cleaned with a handmade cleaner.If you would like to make your own cleaner, you can use white flour and vinegar.The half a cup of flour should be used with the white vinegar.The mixture will form a paste.
Step 4: There is a choice of a quality pewter polish.
It's important to make sure the polish you use won't damage your pewter.You can use the same types of polish on different kinds of pewter.If you go with a commercial cleaner, check the label to see if you can save money and also use it as a polish, because some pewter cleaners double as polishes.At a hardware store, you can usually find pewter polish.MAAS metal polish is one of the well-known brands.
Step 5: You can make your own polish.
If you would prefer, you can make your own polish.You can buy "rottenstone" online or at a hardware store.You can find boiled linseed oil online or at a hardware store.You should boil as much oil as you think you need.Allow the oil to cool before you can use it.Stir and add rottenstone.When a thick paste is formed, keep adding rottenstone.You can use this paste on all types of pewter once it cools.
Step 6: To clean the pewter prior to polishing, use mild dish soap, a store-bought cleaner, or a homemade cleaner.
You'll want to clean it off before polishing it.The dirt and debris from the pewter will be removed.Mild dish soap, a store bought cleaner, and a homemade cleaner can be used to clean polished pewter.If you want to avoid damaging the pewter, use a soft cloth.A soft sponge can be used.The water is warm and soapy.Rub the sides of your pewter to remove dirt.As you scrub, use gentle motions.
Step 7: It's a good idea to rinse and dry your pewter.
If you want to get rid of the homemade cleaner, rinse the pewter with clean water.Pewter can be damaged if soap or homemade cleaner are left on it.To dry the pewter, use a soft rag.You want to make sure that pewter is completely dry before you polish it, so that you don't have to air dry it.
Step 8: Pick a polish and apply it.
Take your chosen polish from here.You can either use the store bought polish or the homemade polish.Apply polish with a soft cloth.Rub down your pewter with circular motions.To avoid scratching the pewter, be gentle.You don't have to apply a lot of pressure.Continue polishing until you get a nice gleam to your pewter.
Step 9: Clean with warm water and a mild dish soap.
Prior to polishing, satin pewter should be cleaned.You can use mild dish soap, a store bought cleaner, or make your own cleaner.Use a rag to clean silver polish.Make sure to mix them with warm water.The texture of silver polish is made from small lines and bumps.Make sure to follow the direction of the grain as you scrub.Make sure to rinse and dry the pewter after you finish cleaning it.
Step 10: Determine if polishing is necessary.
Most of the time, silver pewter does not need polishing.You don't need to polish silver pewter very often.It's time for a polish on your silver pewter.Silver pewter has a dull appearance.If it looks less shiny than other types of pewter, that doesn't mean it needs to be polished.If you keep an eye on your silver pewter, you can determine when it needs a polish.
Step 11: It's a good idea to do a light buffing.
Steel wool should be used on silver pewter.As you polish the pewter, lightly buff it.It shouldn't take much effort to get pewter back to its original appearance.Do not use circular motions with pewter.The steel wool should be moved in a straight line, in the direction of the pewter's grain.Continue buffing the pewter until it is restored to its original appearance.As silver pewter requires minimal maintenance, this shouldn't take too long.
Step 12: Before polishing, make sure you know your pewter type.
You don't want your pewter to be damaged by improper polishing.You should only wash this type of pewter with mild soapy water and then dry it because polishing could be damaging.
Step 13: When working with pewter, stay away from silver polishes.
Make your own polishes or polishes made for pewter.pewter can be damaged by silver polish.When polishing pewter, never use silver polish.
Step 14: Do not put it in the dishwasher.
The detergent is hard on pewter.You should never wash pewter in the dishwasher as it can cause damage.You should always wash your pewter products.