I recently bought a used Hamilton flute, approximately 3-4 years old. I doubt that the previous owner ever once polished the keys. As a result, the silver keys and rings are very tarnished.
I have used a silver cloth and, carefully, some liquid silver cleaner (Silvo) but the keys are as black as ever. I know this is just cosmetic, but I’d really like to brighten it up.
Do you have any further suggestions for polishing the silver?
I don’t really want to try and remove the keys, but even if I had an expert do it, what would they use to clean up the silver?
Thanks!
Removing and replacing the keys (however attached) is very simple - no major techie knowledge needed, and it is much easier to clean them (and to avoid getting cleaning chemicals on the wood!). Get them off! Also, you need for this purpose only remove them one at a time, so no worries about muddling parts up - though that too is easy to avoid even if you strip the whole set.
Like you, I would start (and finish) with a silver cloth, use Silvo or equivalent for more stubborn tarnish… If that really won’t shift it, try metal wadding, but be sure to then rub off really well and also clean again with Silvo to remove traces of the chemicals in the wadding, which won’t be too good for the silver if left on it. Also take care not to get any of the cleaning chemicals on your pads - though don’t panic if a bit does get on - just wipe it off pronto!
If none of that works, you may have to consider taking the pads out so you can drop the keys into silver dip or into an ultrasonic cleaner or to use a buffing wheel on them… but you really should not need to go to those lengths.
Hi Timberflute
Check out your hardware shop for something called Tarn-off (or its equivalent). You wipe it on the keys, leave it for a minute or so (can’t quite remember - check the bottle!) and then rinse under running water. Recommended to wear washing up gloves - the stuff is quite aggressive. I find on really yukky cases I need to rub it into corners with a cotton tip, or even a “chisel” made by cutting a popsicle stick at a sharp angle. Needless to say, take the keys off the flute first!
It won’t polish the silver, but it will remove all the tarnish. Like Jon, I’d use a buffing wheel after that, but Brasso followed by Silvo works well too. To get a real shine, put a last coat of Silvo on, let it dry and buff off with a clean rag.
If you’re a fan of shiny silver (and how else can you find your flute in a dark pub?), get a silver cleaning cloth from a music shop or jewellers. A weekly rub should keep it looking shiny.
Terry
Thank you Jem, Jon and Terry for your suggestions and encouragement.
So far I have removed, cleaned, and successfully replaced one key, but it looks terrific. Only 5 more to go!
I used the metal wadding suggested by Jem. I’d never heard of this before. (No wonder…I found it in the automotive section of my hardware store…not a place where I spend a lot of time!) However, with careful use as Jem suggests, it does the trick.
I’ll soon have a flute I’m proud to flash around at a session!