Pewter is a metal alloy composed primarily of tin and a small amount of lead, copper, bismuth, or antimony. It initially appears with a light gray hue, but over time the metal oxidizes and becomes darker. Pewter, especially lead-containing pewter, eventually turns black, which is why it has been nicknamed the "black metal". As the oxidation of aged pewter progresses, the resulting discoloration is known as "patina". It's best to think twice before polishing and removing the aged patina from pewter, as it provides a protective layer that enhances its value. The pewter produced today is mixed with metals other than lead, in order to avoid premature discoloration.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Pewter Cleaning and Maintenance
Step 1. Dust your decorative pewter pieces regularly with a clean, dry cloth
Step 2. If dirt has accumulated, wash your parts with warm water and a mild detergent
If you eat from a pewter dinner set, or if they come into contact with food, wash them by hand with soap after use. Do not wash pewter in the dishwasher.
Step 3. After washing, dry each piece thoroughly with a clean towel
Method 2 of 3: Clean the Polished Pewter
Step 1. Use a commercial pewter cleaner rather than a silver or other metal polish
Choose a product that is slightly abrasive and polish your pieces carefully following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 2. Make a paste for cleaning polished pewter
- Slowly add the liquid ingredient to the dry one until it forms a thick paste. Try the following combinations: calcium sulfate and denatured alcohol, or flour and vinegar.
- With a soft cloth, rub the paste on the pewter, taking care to rub in one direction only. Polish the pewter with the cloth until the surface is clean and shiny.
- Wash with warm water and neutral soap to remove any paste residue, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Method 3 of 3: Clean the Dull Pewter
Step 1. You can follow the instructions below for cleaning polished pewter, or try one of these pastes instead:
- Create a pasty mixture by mixing pumice or "rottenstone" with cooked linseed oil.
- Use flour and vinegar, or calcium sulfate and denatured alcohol as described above, to clean the polished pewter, but add a little salt to the thickened mixture, resulting in a slightly abrasive paste.
Step 2. Gently scrub or brush the pewter surface with a piece of fine-grained steel wool, being careful not to scratch or damage the surface
Test on a small area of the pewter that is not visible first, to make sure it is safe for cleaning the piece.
Advice
- If an aged pewter piece containing lead has oxidized, or is blackened more than the aged look you want to give it, try gently cleaning it with a dull pewter paste. Slowly lighten the color by applying the paste with a dry cloth. Clean it gently, then wash it thoroughly. Repeat the operation until the patina has assumed the desired color.
- Instead, to remove any scratches, get a very fine-grained steel wool pad and with circular movements and light pressure rub the scratch to be removed.
Warnings
- Using fine-grained steel wool to scrub pastes on pewter will remove much of the oxidation, but will remove it unevenly and you could risk denting the original surface. It is recommended to use this method only as a last resort, being very careful. Some people prefer to let the polished pewter oxidize further to achieve the typical "black metal" effect.
- Pewter melts at relatively low temperatures and should never be exposed to extreme heat sources.
