TromboneChat

I have 2 silver plated horns that look fabulous relatively recently polished/cleaned. However, Im debating if i want to allow them to pantina and tarnish over time.

This is particularly relevant because they dont really have cases, nor do i want them to sit in cases. I prefer to have them out and about where i can freely reach for them, as i might any of my other horns. So those anti-tarnish towels wont really work.

I understand it's the reaction to air that creates the tarnish and sunlight may or may not accelerate the process. I know the tarnish can look very nice over time, but I'm debating if I want to allow that. I kind of want to keep at least one of the 2 caught in time. maybe ill let one develop a fancy patina.

That being said, I've heard people say windex, or auto wax, or some sort of oil coating can prevent/stop tarnish. it's important to note that i do not wish to lacquer the horns. So what options do I have of coating the horns so that they don't tarnish/patina over time? obviously i understand all options short of lacquer will require periodic reapplication, but hopefully wont be like a daily/weekly thing. Id prefer to only have to do that reapplication every year or half year, but i will accept it if monthly is the option.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what ways there is prevent tarnish/patina?

DO ... NOT ... USE ... WINDEX !!!

hahhaha i will make sure not to! I was highly skeptical when that person told me windex would work lol.

Just let it develop a patina

Some of the silver polishes have tarnish inhibitors in them. They won't completely stop the tarnish from happening, but should slow it down

If you keep it in the case, you could look into a VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor), or you could also look into waxing it. I would recommend renaissance wax if you are looking to prevent corrosion.

I wipe down my silver plated instruments with Goddard's polishing cloth after every use. There are other similar products available that may work as well, including anti-tarnish cloth by the yard.

You can either maintain the finish on your instruments or neglect them. Maintenance has predictable results. Neglect... not so much. Patina on silver can be beautiful, sometimes with a clear, bluish lustre, or ugly, with clumps of black crud that are extremely difficult to remove. As you mentioned, you could maintain one while leaving the other to tarnish. Then, after some time, you can wonder what would have happened if you had maintained the tarnished one and neglected the polished one.

Like Doubler, I sort of stay somewhat on top of it with a generic polishing cloth, but maybe only every few weeks at most. That cloth does purport to have a tarnish inhibitor as well. Maybe that's really the key as Matt points out.