Use and Care of Pewter Metal Ware
Amish furniture creations come in a vast array of styles; allowing for a wide range of decorating details like the use of metalware such as Pewter. An Amish handmade table set with pewter ware is as welcoming to a guest as the meal. Country or Rustic themes enjoy the use of pewter pitchers and plates arranged on a hutch or buffet. Arts and Crafts Mission designers all included pewter and other metalware in their decorating scheme. So alluring is the beauty of pewter that even Contemporary Modern decorators use pewter objects as solitary sculpture pieces. Used for several millenniums pewter has found a way into most cultures in the world and can find a place in your home or office’s decorating theme.
While more expensive, most collectors agree that the European produced pewter is considered to be the world’s highest quality. It is advised to use care when purchasing pewter for food use from Asia, Mexico and even the United States. The use of pewter creates a warm and welcoming table and is safely used for food consumption with some caution. Be certain if using this for serving edible items and not just decoration that it is food-safe and has a tin content of at least 95%. This information should be on the stamped in hallmark on the bottom of the piece.
Pewter is a soft metal that should never be used on stoves, in ovens or in microwaves due to its low melting point. Just as in using crystal that has a high lead content never store leftovers or leave foods long-term in pewter vessels. Pitting and staining can occur when serving acidic or salty foods so before serving from them wipe or spray a light coat of vegetable oil for extra protection.
Under normal conditions pewter requires minimal care and only an occasional cleaning to slow oxidizing to a darker patina. When using as a food container use warm water and liquid soap minus any citrus bases like lemon. Dry thoroughly. Metal polish can be used later or you can make your own. Try a mixture of a teaspoon of salt and a little flour mixed with one cup of vinegar to form a paste. Use a soft cloth in circular motions to apply then allow to air dry for one hour and rinse in warm water. Buff the pewter piece with your soft cloth, being certain your have dried thoroughly.
Pewter is soft enough to scratch. Prevention is the best method by avoiding using a knife to cut on pewter plates or serving pieces. If they do become marred you can remove those scratches by gently buffing your pewter piece with a good silver polishing cloth. Deeper scratches will need fine #00 steel wool and careful buffing.
Pewter candlesticks standing atop a Mission inspired table from the Amish is a bold statement in any dining room. To remove the candle wax from the pewter simply run under hot water or place in the freezer and later peel off. Remember to protect your tabletops from wax by using elite custom table pads.
Tags: AMISH, Arts and Crafts, contemporary furniture, Metal Ware, metalware, Mission, modern furniture, Pewter
October 16th, 2008 at 4:16 am
Well spoken. Really vital info….