Connecting to Collections Care

Hello! Earlier this week, I attended the super helpful webinar about caring for silver. Now I have a related question: is there a safe way to clean or polish chrome? I have a ca. 1928 waffle iron. Based on the little bit I could dig up, I believe it is chrome-plated brass on the exterior. It's become badly tarnished/oxidized. Is there a way I can try to bring some of its shine back before it goes on exhibit next year?

Thank you!

Hello! Earlier this week, I attended the super helpful webinar about caring for silver. Now I have a related question: is there a safe way to clean or polish chrome? I have a ca. 1928 waffle iron. Based on the little bit I could dig up, I believe it is chrome-plated brass on the exterior. It's become badly tarnished/oxidized. Is there a way I can try to bring some of its shine back before it goes on exhibit next year?

Thank you!

Hi Stephanie,

Objects conservator Clara Deck (3D Conservation LLC) reviewed your question and provided the following information:

If the object's silvery surface is "tarnished" with an overall greyish tone, then you likely do not have a chromed surface since chrome remains specular ("bright cold white" shiny) no matter what.  It can detach and peel, it can develop pits which allow the base metal to corrode (rust spots), but it does not "tarnish".  It would be best to see a photo of your object, but I'm guessing it is likely nickel-plated.  1928 would still be early for a commercial chrome plating.  Nickel plating, available since the 19th century, was used in this period for kitchen gadgets. It is a "warmer", still silvery-looking metal plating that wears off with excessive polishing and can develop tarnish-like oxidation. Nickel plating is thin and fairly fragile and can be easily scratched and even "polished through" by overenthusiastic practitioners. I would recommend that you try cleaning with soft rags and cotton swabs using only mineral spirits. Always test first with a small trial in an inconspicuous area of the object before applying anything to the whole object.   If you wish to send me photos, I can confirm my guess and I might be able to recommend further treatment options.

If you're able to post photos of the waffle iron in this thread, I think other readers could benefit from seeing them and I can pass them along to Clara (I'll also send you a message with her info if you want to contact her directly).

Thanks,

Rebecca

Hello! Earlier this week, I attended the super helpful webinar about caring for silver. Now I have a related question: is there a safe way to clean or polish chrome? I have a ca. 1928 waffle iron. Based on the little bit I could dig up, I believe it is chrome-plated brass on the exterior. It's become badly tarnished/oxidized. Is there a way I can try to bring some of its shine back before it goes on exhibit next year?

Thank you!

Thank you, Rebecca! I have reached out to Clara. In the meantime, I am attaching a couple of pictures in case anyone is interested. It is an Empress Waffle Iron made by Fitzgerald Manufacturing Co.

Hi Stephanie,

Objects conservator Clara Deck (3D Conservation LLC) reviewed your question and provided the following information:

If the object's silvery surface is "tarnished" with an overall greyish tone, then you likely do not have a chromed surface since chrome remains specular ("bright cold white" shiny) no matter what.  It can detach and peel, it can develop pits which allow the base metal to corrode (rust spots), but it does not "tarnish".  It would be best to see a photo of your object, but I'm guessing it is likely nickel-plated.  1928 would still be early for a commercial chrome plating.  Nickel plating, available since the 19th century, was used in this period for kitchen gadgets. It is a "warmer", still silvery-looking metal plating that wears off with excessive polishing and can develop tarnish-like oxidation. Nickel plating is thin and fairly fragile and can be easily scratched and even "polished through" by overenthusiastic practitioners. I would recommend that you try cleaning with soft rags and cotton swabs using only mineral spirits. Always test first with a small trial in an inconspicuous area of the object before applying anything to the whole object.   If you wish to send me photos, I can confirm my guess and I might be able to recommend further treatment options.

If you're able to post photos of the waffle iron in this thread, I think other readers could benefit from seeing them and I can pass them along to Clara (I'll also send you a message with her info if you want to contact her directly).

Thanks,

Rebecca

Hello! Earlier this week, I attended the super helpful webinar about caring for silver. Now I have a related question: is there a safe way to clean or polish chrome? I have a ca. 1928 waffle iron. Based on the little bit I could dig up, I believe it is chrome-plated brass on the exterior. It's become badly tarnished/oxidized. Is there a way I can try to bring some of its shine back before it goes on exhibit next year?

Thank you!