Does wrapping silver in plastic keep it from tarnishing?

Silver is a beautiful metal that has been used for jewelry, silverware, and other decorative items for centuries. However, it has a tendency to tarnish over time when exposed to air and certain chemicals. Tarnish is a thin layer of silver sulfide that forms on the surface of silver, causing it to darken and lose its luster. This is an annoying problem for anyone who owns silver items. Luckily, there are some easy ways to minimize tarnishing and keep silver looking its best. One popular method is wrapping silver in plastic. But does this actually work? Here we will examine the science behind silver tarnishing and whether plastic wrap can prevent it.

What Causes Silver to Tarnish?

Silver tarnishes due to a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur-containing compounds in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This reaction causes silver sulfide (Ag2S) to form on the surface. The silver sulfide layer appears darker than the pure silver metal underneath, which is why tarnish causes silver to look dull and darkened.

The main factors that contribute to silver tarnishing include:

• Exposure to air – Air contains trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas which reacts with silver.
• Exposure to sulfur-containing compounds – Eggs and rubber bands contain sulfur. Skin oils also contain organic sulfur compounds.
• Humidity – Moisture accelerates the tarnishing reaction.
• Heat – Increased temperature speeds up chemical reactions.
• Oxidizing agents – Chlorine bleach and salt can corrode silver through oxidation.
• Light – UV rays in sunlight accelerate tarnishing.

Given the right environmental conditions, silver will naturally tarnish unless protected in some way. The goal is to limit silver’s exposure to air, humidity, heat, and sulfur-containing compounds as much as possible.

Does Plastic Wrap Prevent Silver Tarnish?

Putting a physical barrier between silver and the environment is an effective tarnish prevention strategy. Plastic wrap, like Saran Wrap, serves as an air-tight barrier that prevents air flow and isolates the silver from humidity, oxygen, and contaminants. The transparency of plastic wrap also allows you to view the items while protected.

Plastic wrap can be an excellent short-term anti-tarnish solution in certain circumstances when properly applied. Here are some benefits to using plastic wrap for silver:

• Creates air-tight seal – No air reaches the silver to cause tarnish.
• Blocks humidity – Prevents water molecules from contacting surface.
• Prevents sulfur exposure – Plastic forms a barrier so sulfur compounds can’t touch silver.
• Portable and inexpensive – Plastic wrap is cheap and easy to apply on-the-go.
• Transparent – Allows viewing of silver items inside the wrap.

However, there are also some important limitations to be aware of when using plastic wrap for silver storage:

• Not suitable for long-term storage – Plastic can degrade over time and lose its protective abilities.
• Can trap moisture against surface – Any trapped moisture accelerates tarnish.
• Doesn’t stop temperature fluctuations – Heat still speeds up tarnishing.
• Can leach plasticizers – Chemicals from plastic can transfer to silver surface.
• Traps sulfur already on silver – Sulfur from fingerprints for example can still cause tarnish.
• Wrinkles allow air exposure – Any openings or wrinkles eliminate air-tight seal.

Overall, plastic wrap provides an short-term, temporary barrier against tarnish factors. But it is not suitable for permanent storage solutions.

Proper Usage of Plastic Wrap for Silver

To get the most protection from plastic wrap, follow these best practices:

• Clean silver thoroughly before wrapping – Remove any oils, sulfur residue, or dirt.
• Use high quality plastic wrap – Pick commercial grade wrap that won’t degrade quickly.
• Wrap tightly with no wrinkles or bubbles – Eliminate any gaps that allow air in.
• Press out excess air – Compress wrapped item to remove excess air trapped inside.
• Seal edges completely – Fold underside tightly under itself all around the item.
• Limit duration – Re-wrap periodically, don’t exceed 2-3 months.
• Check for leaks occasionally – Look for condensation or gaps allowing air in.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations – Don’t move wrapped items between hot and cold environments.

Proper technique is important to gain maximum protection from plastic wrapping. Always inspect for damage and re-wrap as needed. For long-term anti-tarnish storage, other methods are recommended.

Long-Term Silver Storage Options

For long-term silver storage, plastic wrap alone is insufficient protection. Some better solutions for long-term tarnish prevention include:

Tarnish-Resistant Storage Bags

Specialty storage bags for silver are lined with materials that actively absorb sulfur gases. Popular brands include Guardz and Tarnish Shield. The bags have an airtight zip seal and are designed for long-term silver storage.

Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-tarnish strips containing activated charcoal can be placed inside storage bags to actively absorb sulfur compounds. Brands like Charcoal Companion make anti-tarnish strips for silver.

Silver Polishing Cloths

Polishing cloths infused with tarnish removers can actively clean silver while stored. They prevent tarnish buildup but don’t fully block air. Popular brands are Goddard’s and Hagerty.

Vacuum Sealed Bags

Vacuum sealing pumps out excess air and creates an oxygen-free environment. When done properly, vacuum sealing is one of the most effective anti-tarnish methods.

Storage Containers

Air-tight storage containers in archival materials like polyethylene and polypropylene can store silver for very long periods. Ensure a tight seal.

Using Silica Gel Packets

Small silica gel desiccant packets can be added to storage solutions to actively absorb moisture and humidity that accelerates tarnishing. The color changing beads indicate when moisture is absorbed. Replace packs periodically as the beads change color. One or two packs are sufficient for most storage containers.

Tarnish Removal Methods

If silver does end up tarnishing, there are methods to safely restore its original shine and luster. Common tarnish removal techniques include:

Silver Polishing Cloths

Pre-moistened polishing cloths contain mild abrasives and tarnish removing chemicals to buff away dull surface layers. Gentle figure-8 rubbing motions work best with polishing cloths.

Silver Dip Solutions

Chemical dipping solutions use active ingredients like thiourea and sodium thiosulfate to dissolve tarnish. Soak silver for 1-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil

Baking soda’s alkaline properties break down tarnish, while aluminum foil enhances the reaction. Line a pan with foil, sprinkle baking soda, add silver, boil water, and soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Electrolytic Silver Cleaning Machine

Electrolysis uses electric current to reverse the tarnishing chemical reaction. Silver items sit in a solution acting as the positive electrode to remove silver sulfide. Jewelers and professional silver services use this approach.

Ultrasonic Silver Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners use high frequency sound waves to agitate a warm cleaning solution. The cavitation bubbles dislodge tarnish particles. Effective for heavy tarnish buildup in crevices.

White Vinegar or Lemon Juice Soak

The mild acid in vinegar or lemon juice helps break up tarnish layers. Soak for 1-2 hours, then rinse and hand polish. Don’t soak pearls or gemstones.

Storing Silver Jewelry

Jewelry requires some special considerations for anti-tarnish storage, since it often contains gemstones, enamel, or other sensitive materials. Here are some jewelry-specific tips:

• Remove gemstones first if possible – Some stones like pearls, opal, turquoise, and coral are sensitive to chemicals. Store separately.
• Don’t use dipping solutions – Chemical dips can damage softer stones, enamels, or epoxy.
• Wrap pieces individually – Prevent rubbing and scratching by separating pieces.
• Use anti-tarnish cloth strips – Interleave polishing cloth layers between jewelry items.
• Store in breathable fabric pouches – Leather or anti-tarnish cloth allow airflow while protected.
• Keep dry – moisture damages many materials. Include silica gel packs.

Tarnish prevention is important for maintaining the beauty and value of silver jewelry. Always research care requirements for specific gemstones prior to cleaning or storage. Handle all jewelry with care.

Caring for Silver Plate Items

Silver-plated items require specialized care. The silver plating is very thin – usually less than 2 microns thick – so can wear off over time with excessive cleaning. Here are some tips for silver plate care:

• Hand wash only – Dishwashers strip off silver plating.
• Use mild soap – Avoid abrasive cleaners or chemical dips.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly – Prevent water spotting which accelerates wear.
• Avoid over-polishing – Rubbing wears down the thin silver layer.
• Apply protective lacquer – Clear coatings slow tarnish and provide sacrificial protection.
• Gently clean tarnish – Use non-abrasive anti-tarnish cloths.
• Re-plate as needed – Silver plating services can re-apply a new layer.

With proper care, silver-plated items can stay beautiful for many years before re-plating is needed. But the plating is delicate compared to solid silver. Handle silver plate with care and limit rubbing to maintain the finish.

Storing Silverware

Like all silver items, proper storage is key for silverware. Flatware is heavily used and often exposed to many tarnish-causing factors. Here are some silverware storage tips:

• Hand wash after use – Don’t let food residue or hand oils sit.
• Rinse and dry immediately – Prevent water spotting.
• Wrap pieces individually – Stop rubbing and prevent scratches.
• Use anti-tarnish cloth between pieces – Interleave flatware with treated cloth.
• Stand pieces upright – Allows airflow to minimize moisture exposure.
• Use a silverware canister or chest – Protects from dust, oils, and sulfur compounds in the air.
• Include silica gel packs – Absorb excess moisture in storage container.
• Consider a roll-up travel set – Portable way to bring protected silverware on trips.

Silverware sees a lot of handling and requires diligent care and maintenance. Proper cleaning after use and protective storage methods help flatware retain its beauty and shine.

Effect of Plastic Food Wrap on Silver

In addition to plastic wraps for storage, it’s common to cover silver food serving pieces in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. However, direct contact with plastic food wrap can damage silver over time. Here’s why:

• Traps moisture against silver – Causes more rapid tarnish.
• Can leach plasticizers – Chemicals from plastic transfer to silver surface.
• Oils permeate plastic – Food residue seeps through over time.
• Sulfur gases diffuse through – Plastic is permeable to small gas molecules.
• Wear from direct contact – Plastic rubs against soft silver.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid direct contact between plastic food wraps and silver. Instead, use non-plastic coverings:

• Wax paper
• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil

Or place plastic wrapped food on a separate plate or pan, then cover the serving silver piece with a breathable anti-tarnish cloth. This prevents direct plastic contact. With some care, silver can be protected from tarnish factors present in both storage and daily use.

Conclusion

While plastic wrap can temporarily help slow tarnish when applied properly, it is not a good permanent storage solution for silver. Plastic alone allows too much air exposure over time. For collecting or long-term silver storage, more durable anti-tarnish methods are required such as high quality storage bags, vacuum sealing, inert gas purging systems, and tightly sealed storage containers. Combine these with anti-tarnish strips, tarnish resistant materials, moisture absorbers, and keeping pieces separated and immobilized for optimum results. With some care and proper storage habits, beautiful silver items can be cherished for decades or even generations without falling victim to the dreaded tarnish.