Pewter care: how to keep Royal Selangor pieces looking like new
Sleeves først — alltid
Hvert kort skal i syrefri sleeve før noe annet. Fingeravtrykk og mikroriper er den vanligste verdikilleren, og de kommer i det øyeblikket du håndterer kortet ubeskyttet.
Toploader eller binder
Kort du skal omsette eller gradere går i toploader; samlinger du blar i går i binder med sidelastede lommer. Aldri topplastede lommer i ringperm — kortene glir ut.
Skrin, mørke og stabilt klima
Oppbevar mørkt, tørt og stabilt: 40–55 % luftfuktighet og unna yttervegg. Treskrin med lokk beskytter mot både lys og støv — og ser bedre ut enn pappesker.
Forseglede bokser: ikke rør seglet
Uåpnet vare med intakt segl er verdt mest. Oppbevar boksen i original krympeplast, gjerne i beskyttende case, og løft aldri i plasten.
One of the great advantages of Royal Selangor pewter is that it requires minimal care. Unlike silver, it doesn't tarnish, it doesn't rust, and it doesn't need regular polishing. But there are some simple things you can do to keep the piece in top condition.
Drying holds the shine
Wipe the piece with a soft microfiber cloth after touching. Fingerprints are the only thing you need to worry about.
Avoid acids
Lemon, vinegar and dishwasher detergents can discolour pewter. Keep the piece away from acidic cleaners.
Tin paste 2-4 times/year
Use specially made tin paste to remove dullness and restore shine.
Avoid scratches
Pewter is soft. Keep pieces separate from each other — not stacked or thrown in a drawer.
Daily care — the easy
For most pieces, wiping with a soft, dry cloth is sufficient. Fingerprints and dust are easily removed without chemicals. For pieces used for drinking or food (goblets, decanters, bowls), rinse with lukewarm water and dry afterwards. Avoid dishwasher — see separate guide for more on this.
More thorough cleaning
If the piece has dulled or has acquired a duller finish than you would like, use a small amount of mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Dry well with a soft cloth. Avoid scouring agents, coarse sponges and chemical solvents — these can scratch the surface.
What about patina?
Pewter develops a natural patina over time — a slightly darker finish on recesses and edges. Many believe this makes the play more beautiful, like a book that has been read many times. If you want to keep the original shine, polish with Royal Selangor Pewter Care Cloth (available separately). If you want to let the patina develop, do nothing — it is a sign of a piece in use.
Pewter is easier to maintain than most people think. A few minutes of attention monthly keeps the piece as new.
— Dano Stellguide
Storage
- Store in a dry environment — humidity is not a problem, but prolonged exposure to salt (such as by the sea) can give the surface a slightly gray finish.
- Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, as UV can give tin a yellow tinge.
- Wrap pieces in soft cloth or tissue paper (not plastic wrap) if they stored for a long time without use.
Repair
Tin is a soft metal and can bend if dropped. Simple scratches can be polished down. Deeper damage can in some cases be fixed by an experienced silversmith or by Royal Selangor itself (via international service programme). Contact us for more information.
