Lately, I have been consciously trying to spend less time on social media. I am already much better at managing my time wisely, except when it comes to browsing Facebook marketplace. A rabbit hole, I tell you! It is so hard to stop when the next treasure could be just a few scrolls away.
I should write a post about all the treasures I have found there because I have some good ones for sure! A few of them are mentioned in my post Decorating with vintage finds.
My most recent find was a diamond in the rough. It was listed for several weeks, and I kept an eye on it. The fact that nobody else wanted it didn’t bother me. They probably couldn’t see the potential, right?
When the price dropped to $10, I jumped at it. This platter was so badly tarnished that I wasn’t sure if it even was real silver or maybe damaged beyond repair. The price was low enough to give it a go anyway.
I know what you think: girl, it’s UGLY! Yeah, I know. But I couldn’t resist the challenge of giving an old ugly thing a new life. So, here’s what I did.
I grabbed a bottle of Silvo! Did you guys also grow up with Silvo and Brasso? I would love to know how many of you know this awful but magical stuff. If you don’t, let me give you a tip or two.
You need to wear gloves, or else your hands will be black! This stuff is abrasive, and you do not want it on your skin! Also, if you use as much as I did, wear a mask and always work in a well-ventilated area. The ammonia fumes will knock you off your feet!
I must confess that I have never read the instructions. I’m pretty sure you are not supposed to lather it on the way I did, but you can see the years of black tarnish I had to work through.
I scrubbed, and I cleaned! But in all honesty, less than I thought I would.
I used a soft cloth for the flat surfaces and an old toothbrush for all the details.
I scrubbed, wiped, and THEN I rinsed it in soapy water. Not once, not twice, but three times! After the first round, the platter started to shine, and I could see that I had a winner.
After a second go, the platter already looked pretty good, but I decided to go in for a third time. I rubbed the Silvo on with my gloves, and the more I rubbed, the more liquid and the blacker it became. Very satisfying!
After the last wash with dishwashing liquid, I rinsed it well with clean water. Can you even believe this shine?? It looks brand new, and I am happy with my pretty silver platter. She cleaned up nicely!
And now? Now I dream of Christmas decorations on my silver platter.!
