How to Polish Metal Using Chalk

To date, there are 86 metals that are known to man. Coins, jewelry, silverware and countless other items that we encounter in our daily lives contain metal. If you have any metal pieces that you would like to brighten, you may be interested to learn that chalk makes a great polish. Chalk is not only easily accessible, but inexpensive. So if you are looking for an effective way to polish metal, read on!

Things You'll Need

• White chalk
• Clean soft cloths
• Water
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Purchase plain white chalk from anywhere school supplies are sold. You can also try looking in the stationery aisle of your local grocery store.

2. Crush your chalk. You can do this with a mortar and pestle, or by placing a few pieces in a piece of cloth and hitting them with a mallet. Of course, be sure that you are working on a surface that will absorb the shock of the mallet and not be damaged.

3. Place the crushed pieces of chalk into a small bowl. You can use a mixing bowl or even an old margarine tub will suffice.

4. Add a small amount of water to the chalk and stir. You will want to create a paste-like mixture. If the mix appears too thick, add more water. If it is too thin, add more chalk until you create the right consistency.

5. Dip a clean soft cloth into the chalk mixture, and lightly dab a small amount onto your metal piece. Rub the surface of the metal with the cloth until it shines.

6. Rinse clean, and dry with a separate soft cloth. Continue the process with all of your metals.

Tips & Warnings

• Chalk is also great at absorbing moisture, so if you place a piece of white chalk in your silverware draw or toolbox, it can help prevent rusting and tarnishing.