QuestionHello Thomas,
I have a cake server and knife that is currently engraved and I didn't know if you had any tips or tricks as to how I might remove the engraving ? It isnt very deep but I beleive the plating is thin and will more than likely be ruined by buffing. Any advice welcomed.
Thank you!
AnswerHi, Tiffany. Glad you came to this web site.
The basic rule for any plated tableware is not to buff it and to polish only gingerly and by hand. Otherwise, the plate surface will have a much shorter life span than desired. (Buffing refers to using a motorized buffing wheel.)
I can essentially guarantee the plate will be ruined by buffing. Whether the engraving is a stamped design or a cut engraving by machine or hand, there is no way to get deeper than the engraving and still have any of the surface plate remaining.
Some will try burnishing on very, very light engraving but generally only on solid sterling, not silver plate. This rubbing to smooth out the engraving is often only a step in trying to repair an engraving slip and not to actually remove it all. The idea is to save time of total removal and redoing the engraved work.
You could try burnishing the surface by rubbing with a very, very highly polished steel rod. This is not easy work and chances of success are minimal.
All in all, you may accept the engraving or not use the cake server.
Tiffany, I like to give more positive answers...but this is how it is.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
