06-11-2012, 10:52 PM
Silver tarnish/patina isn't simple discoloration though, it is a result of gas (usually sulphur dioxide) reacting with the silver. What you see is the changed metal on the very surface of the award, and it can/will become deeper and more permanent over time. There isn't a simple solution because you can wash, wipe, or even use silver dip on the award and you are effectively removing a microscopic layer of silver. So it's a very tricky tradeoff. The veterans themselves didn't seem to have these concerns and polished the heck out of their medals! 
So it sucks--but I would recommend washing or lightly polishing the awards. Use silver dip only as a last resort, because silver dip will make the silver dull and greyish looking.
Oh, and switch to my non-PVC non reactive "overkill system:"
http://soviet-awards.com/forum/soviet-mi...post190658
George
So it sucks--but I would recommend washing or lightly polishing the awards. Use silver dip only as a last resort, because silver dip will make the silver dull and greyish looking. Oh, and switch to my non-PVC non reactive "overkill system:"
http://soviet-awards.com/forum/soviet-mi...post190658
George
