New to silver: Question about cleaning.

Downtown1974

I have a few bars that have some toning to them. Im not a big fan of it. I like nice bright bullion. I know its not a good idea to clean coins, but what about silver bars? Am I better off leaving them alone? What do you guys do? Any input appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

PerryHall

You could non-abraisively clean them with coin dip but I would leave them alone, especially if they are a rare bar worth a premium over melt value.

Downtown1974

Thanks Perry. These are a few Engelhard 1oz.ers that I picked up today at the local coin shop. Nothing rare, but I dont want to hinder a possible future sale by cleaning them, so I guess I will let them be.

derryb

Quick dip in acetone with a distilled water rinse makes 'em look good as new. Caution: acetone is dangerous to handle.

Ciccio

I'd go with eZest and then acetone if you like bright bullion.
Engelhard are not rare, they worth a little more than silver spot.

OPA

Unlike coins, most bars do need a good rinse once in a while. It enhances their retail value. I use cotton balls soaked in Tarn-X & then a good cold water rinse & pat dry with a cotton t-shirt. It will dissolve even the most ugly black tarnish.

PerryHall

<< <i>Unlike coins, most bars do need a good rinse once in a while. It enhances their retail value. I use cotton balls soaked in Tarn-X & then a good cold water rinse & pat dry with a cotton t-shirt. It will dissolve even the most ugly black tarnish. >>



I do it the same exact way when a bar has ugly toning. If the toning isn't too bad, I just leave well enough alone. Next question---how does everyone store their bars? I have a bunch of 3"X4" heavy polyethylene zip lock bags that are good for most bars up to 25 oz or so. For larger bars, I use larger zip lock bags.

Ciccio

<< <i>

<< <i>Unlike coins, most bars do need a good rinse once in a while. It enhances their retail value. I use cotton balls soaked in Tarn-X & then a good cold water rinse & pat dry with a cotton t-shirt. It will dissolve even the most ugly black tarnish. >>



I do it the same exact way when a bar has ugly toning. If the toning isn't too bad, I just leave well enough alone. Next question---how does everyone store their bars? I have a bunch of 3"X4" heavy polyethylene zip lock bags that are good for most bars up to 25 oz or so. For larger bars, I use larger zip lock bags. >>



I tried tarn-x but do like eZest better.

Unfortunately I have sold almost all my bars (just because I needed cash! ).
I used airtites for the 1oz and 2.5x2.5 saflip flips for the 5oz. Some where in ziplock bags, though.
Fractionals go in saflip flips and then in a coin wallet (it is nice to see both sides going through the pages).

OPA

<< <i>how does everyone store their bars >>



I also use direct fit holders for the 1 oz bars that fit, but quite a few do not, like none of the Hamilton Mint 1 ozers or Degussa. It's easier for rounds...for most 1 oz, 5 oz & 10 oz rounds, direct fit round holders are available. Some 100 gram bars fit nicely in US Mint plastic unc or proof set holders. ( Be sure to remove the coins first )

Downtown1974

Thanks for all of the suggestions fellas. I will take the advice given and clean them up. I will have to post some pics on the metal porn thread of my take for the week.

akuracy503

I wouldnt worry too much about dipping buillion, especially if you didn't pay a numismatic premium.



<< <i>Thanks Perry. These are a few Engelhard 1oz.ers that I picked up today at the local coin shop. Nothing rare, but I dont want to hinder a possible future sale by cleaning them, so I guess I will let them be. >>

cosmicblunder

I'd leave them alone.