I wanted to tell all those vintage lovers and antique shoppers out there what a corroded piece of silver (or silver plate) can turn into with a little effort and the right product.

At first glance, these spoons appear to only have decorative appeal in their corroded and patinated state. But after begin polished and cleaned, they can be used as everyday utensils.

MAAS metal polish is the best for the job. It comes out purple and stinks a bit. To begin, get two old white undershirts, socks, or rags. Squeeze a dollop of the purple polish onto the rag and start rubbing it on the silver. The cloth will turn black. (It is best to use something white so you can watch your progress.) Move to a new spot on the cloth with a new dollop when needed. When you feel you have gotten the silver as clean as possible, use the second clean rag to buff away the remaining polish. The result should be shiny and brilliant.

If the silver is in very bad condition there are certain spots that will never look like new again, but it can get pretty close. If you are polishing silverware or something used with food, wait a few hours after polishing, then hand wash with warm soapy water and towel dry.

I bought these spoons for $1 each, found in a junk box at an antique show.

Tiff Arment