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How to Finish Antique Nickel

Nickel is soft metal that is used to make many household objects such as vases, door handles and sink fixtures. Antique nickel will develop a rich sheen over time that is sought-after by antique collectors. If not properly cared for, this sheen can become discolored when exposed to air and water. If your antique nickel isn't finished on a regular basis, it can become discolored, and the original sheen of the nickel can turn from dark gray to black.

Things You'll Need

Jewelry cloth (optional)
Soft polishing cloth
Baby shampoo or Murphy's Oil Soap
Silver jewelry polish

Instructions

- 1
  Start by washing your antique nickel by hand with baby shampoo, or ideally Murphy's Oil Soap, and warm water. Use your fingers or a soft jewelry cloth to work in the solution; toothbrushes or anything with a rough edge can scratch the nickel. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Leaving it to air dry may cause discoloration or rust.
- 2
  Polish the nickel with a clean jewelry cloth and silver jewelry polish. Nickel is a type of sliver, so sliver jewelry polish is ideal. Follow the directions on the jewelery polish for the amount to use on your piece and continue buffing until you achieve the desired sheen. Stay from regular sliver or nickel polish that you can purchase from the hardware store, because these chemical can be too strong and strip the antique sheen from the nickel.
- 3
  Store your antique nickel in a dry place and wrapped in soft jewelry or flannel clothes. Newspaper or plastic should be avoided because it can react with the nickel and cause tarnishing. If your antique nickel is used on a daily basis, as door handle or sink fixture, then the piece will need to buffed and cleaned every three months.

Antiques