Caring for Your Pewter- Print

Caring for Your Pewter
Pewter is an alloy consisting primarily of tin. It frequently has small amounts of antimony and copper which is added for strength and/or color. The percentage of tin varies amongst manufacturers, but is generally at least 91%, the rest being antimony & copper. The higher the tin content, the more silver the final color.

Pewter dates back to the Roman days and was something only the wealthy could afford.

Today's pewter is perfectly safe for eating & drinking. Modern pewter contains no lead.

Older pieces, that may contain lead; oxidize; creating a soft patina and antiqued look that manufacturers try to simulate today. If you should try to remove it, the layers underneath are then exposed which will in time corrode and the patina comes back. In all actuality, the patina layer that forms on lead based pewter acts as a protective layer and should really not be removed.

Lead free pewter also oxidizes over time. It takes much longer and the color is usually more gray compared to the lead based pewter which is a darker in color.

Pewter can be pitted or stained from certain foods such as citrus juice, types of salad dressings etc., so please remember to wash your items immediately after use.
Do not place in the oven on a hot plate or near hot flames because pewter melts easier than other types of metals. Pewter melts at only 450 degrees.
Always hand wash rather than placing in a dishwasher.

Pewter Cleaning Tips

Unlike silver, pewter doesn't tarnish, so you will not need to clean it all that often.

There are generally three different types of finishes you will find in pewter items and each has a preferred method of cleaning.

Polished Pewter
This type of finish is very shiny and smooth and only really needs to be cleaned a couple of times a year. The recommend method of cleaning this type of pewter is with a very soft cloth and some polish. You can try our polish made by a leading pewter manufacturer, or a quick and easy home remedy: Make a paste of vinegar, salt and flour. Rub it in circular motions with a soft cloth gently to shine up your pewter.

Satin Pewter
This pewter has a bit of a softer appearance. It is not shiny, but has almost a grain type of finish. You can use warm water and a mild soap to clean this type of pewter.

Every few years you may want to buff or brush this kind of pewter using very fine steel wool. Always remember to rub in the direction of the grain and do not press very hard. It will not take much to return it back to it's original appearance.

Oxidized Pewter
Oxidized pewter usually has a darker finish and has an antique look to it. Just washing with warm water and a mild soap is all you really need to do with this type of pewter.