What is that stuff that manufacturers put on silver to keep it from tarnishing, and how does one get

...it off? This is my day for asking questions, I guess. I have a lovely silverplated coffee pot which needs attention, but I'm afraid I'll accidentally do more harm than good. Help!

 

How? You don't. I tried once on a piece of Mom's. Looked worse when done than it did before I started.

 

It could be plated with rhodium if it is fairly new, or it could be lacquered. Both are difficult to deal with without experience. If you post some pics it may help to determine your best course of action.

 

Thank you for your responses! "Rhodium" just would NOT come to mind!

My pot is definitely new, marked EPNS with squiggles fore and aft on bottom. I'd gladly show a picture, but I don't have the equipment. On the bottom, there is a scratching of a #5 in a circle, the left-hand squiggle looks like a cat -- sitting in a chair & and reaching out for something, and the right squiggle appears to have a capital L with squiggles on the sides.

It's a handsome piece, rather like a tankard.

 

Rhodium will not tarnish,it is probably silver plated.