Wednesday, September 8, 2021

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Clean Silver

Posted: 08 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT

Silver is a beautiful, versatile metal, and its soft luster adds a touch of elegance to dishes, flatware, and jewelry. Unfortunately, silver also scratches easily and can quickly develop tarnish (a thin layer of corrosion) on its surface. But you can prevent that from happening! This article lists several helpful ways to keep your silver clean, tarnish-free, and shiny for years of display and use.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Dish soap

  1. Remove smudges and light buildup with gentle hand washing. Fill your sink or a plastic container with warm water and a few squirts of a mild, phosphate- and citrus-free dish soap. Rub the silver softly with a cellulose sponge or cotton ball/pad/swab—don't scrub it forcefully. Rinse the item with warm water, then pat it dry right away with a soft cotton towel. As an optional finishing step, lightly buff the silver with a clean and dry cotton ball, pad, or swab.[1]
    Clean Silver Step 1 Version 4.jpg
    • Wear nitrile gloves and take off any rings/bracelets so you don't accidentally scratch the silver with your fingernails or jewelry.
    • Avoid detergents containing citrus to prevent spotting on silver.
    • Hand wash silver by itself. Dishes and utensils can scratch silver.
    • Don't put silver in the dishwasher! High temperatures and rough agitation can discolor and damage it.

[Edit]Hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol

  1. Use this trick to remove light tarnish after washing and drying. Choose either a 70% rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol) or an alcohol-based, fragrance-free, aloe-free, additive-free hand sanitizer. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball, pad, or swab. Rub the silver lightly, rinse off the alcohol or sanitizer with warm water, and dry the silver right away with a clean and soft cotton towel.[2]

    • Washing silver with dish soap, then following up by cleaning it with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol, is a surprisingly effective combination for removing light tarnish. You may find that you don't need to do any polishing!
    • If the silver isn't used for food service, you can rinse off the alcohol or sanitizer by spraying on a plant-based window cleaner and then drying it. This might give your silver a little extra shine.

[Edit]Silver polish

  1. Use a small amount of the least abrasive polish you can find. When dish soap and hand sanitizer won't cut it, specially-formulated commercial silver polishes are a safe, effective option. Moisten a soft, silver-polishing cloth (or a cellulose sponge or cotton ball/pad/swab) with the polish and rub the silver lightly. Switch to a different section of the cloth or sponge when it starts to get dirty. Rinse the silver under running water and dry if off thoroughly with a soft, clean cotton cloth.[3]
    Clean Silver Step 3 Version 4.jpg
    • Some silver cleaning pros say you must polish only with back-and-forth motions, while others say you must use only small circular motions. You'll have to decide for yourself which method to use. All the experts agree, though, that you must not scrub too hard—instead, rub lightly and let the polish do its job.
    • Read the packaging carefully and buy a low-abrasion silver polish. You can also consult reputable rankings online or ask a silversmith or other expert.

[Edit]Silver dip

  1. Try using it like polish instead of submerging your silver in it. Commercial silver "dips" use chemicals to dissolve tarnish quickly without having to rub the silver. That said, dips are very aggressive and can damage silver in some cases. Using the dip like a polish instead of actually "dipping" silver into it reduces this risk. To do this, lightly soak a cellulose sponge or cotton ball/pad/swab with the liquid. Apply it with gentle back-and-forth or circular motions, rinse off the silver thoroughly, and pat it dry.[4]

    Clean Silver Step 4 Version 4.jpg
    • If you decide to submerge the silver in the dip, pour the dip into a plastic container. Put the silver in the container, cover the container with a lid, and let the silver soak for the time specified in the instructions. Rinse the piece thoroughly with warm water since dip residue can eat away at the silver and cause pitting.
    • Dips contain strong chemicals, so wear nitrile gloves and follow the safety instructions on the package.
    • Never submerge objects that have sealed components, like candlesticks, trophies with hollow feet, or teapots with hollow handles, in silver dip. If the dip leaks into the cavity through small holes or imperfections, it's virtually impossible to wash the chemical out.

[Edit]Vinegar and similar acids

  1. Experts disagree on DIY cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, soda, and ketchup. Acidic cleaners such as these do remove tarnish, but some experts warn that repeated use of them may cause etching and dulling of the silver.[5] If you want to try this method, soak your silver item in vinegar, lemon juice or lemon-lime soda for 2-3 hours, then carefully rinse it, pat it dry, and lightly buff it with a cotton ball, pad, or swab. To use ketchup, pour the condiment into a bowl, submerge the silver item in it for 15 minutes, then rinse, dry, and buff the silver.[6]
    Clean Silver Step 5 Version 4.jpg
    • Acidic cleaners might be an option for items like jewelry that you wear frequently, but maybe not for high-value jewelry that you save for special occasions.

[Edit]Toothpaste

  1. Use this polish option only on solid, less valuable silver. Silver cleaning experts usually recommend against polishing with toothpaste because it is too abrasive, especially on valuable pieces or silver-plated (not solid silver) items.[7] If you do choose to use toothpaste, make sure it's a plain white toothpaste. Apply it to an old, soft toothbrush or a soft cloth, then lightly polish the silver using either back-and-forth or circular motions. Rinse the item and pat it dry immediately after.[8]
    • Keep a close eye on the silver as you work. If you notice scratching at any point, stop and rinse the toothpaste off.

[Edit]Cornstarch

  1. Cornstarch paste is abrasive like toothpaste, so use it carefully. Heed the same warning here as with toothpaste—this isn't a good option for high-value silver or silver-plated items. To give it a try, mix cornstarch with just a few drops of water to create a toothpaste-like consistency. Apply the paste with a soft cloth or brush to reduce the abrasion somewhat, or with cheesecloth or a rougher towel to increase the abrasion further. Finish, as always, by immediately rinsing and patting the item dry.[9]
    • You can substitute cream of tartar and get the same results.

[Edit]Baking soda

  1. Try this only for heavy tarnish on low-value silver items. Baking soda is very abrasive and will remove stubborn tarnish, but do not use it unless you can accept the risk it carries of damaging the silver.[10] To give it a try on a piece of low-value silver, simply make a toothpaste-consistency mixture of baking soda and warm water. Apply the mixture to an old, soft toothbrush or soft cloth, polish the item gently, and rinse and pat it dry afterward.[11]
    Clean Silver Step 7 Version 3.jpg
    • Baking soda takes off a layer of silver along with the tarnish, so it's absolutely not recommended for high-value silver items, most especially if they are silver plated (a layer of silver over another metal).

[Edit]Aluminum foil bath

  1. This method works fast but can really damage valuable silver. This one's a bit like a high school science experiment! To clean low-value silver this way, start by lining a non-metal mixing bowl or baking dish with aluminum foil. Lay the silver item on top of the foil. Boil a pot of water and stir in several scoops of baking soda—enough that it takes at least 1 minute to dissolve completely with constant stirring. Slowly pour the hot mixture into the bowl or dish. Allow the silver to soak for several minutes, until the tarnish dissolves, then rinse it well and dry it completely.[12]

    • Another variation of this technique uses 1 tbsp (15 g) of powdered laundry detergent instead of baking soda, but the results should be similar.[13]
    • The mixture of chemicals and the contact between aluminum and silver create a galvanic reaction that dissolves tarnish. However, the reaction is hard to control and can quickly cause major damage to silver items (particularly any fine details).

[Edit]Storage and scratch protection

  1. Treat your silver with care at all times to protect its appearance. Careful handling and storage reduce the risk of scratches and help limit tarnish buildup. When it's time to store your silver, make sure the item is completely clean and dry first. Wrap it individually in acid-free tissue paper, anti-tarnish paper, or special flannel wraps made for this purpose. Seal one or a few wrapped silver pieces in an airtight plastic bag, and add a silica gel packet or a piece of plain white chalk to soak up tarnish-causing moisture.[14]
    Clean Silver Step 9 Version 3.jpg
    • Don't put plastic wrap or a plastic bag directly in contact with silver.
    • Never store silver where it can contact rubber, stainless steel, or paint.
    • Don't store sharp objects in a silver container or next to silver items.
    • Don't stack silver items directly on top of one another.
    • Never toss or drop silver—into the sink, into a drawer, or anywhere else!
    • Don't cut anything on a silver platter, even with a dull knife.[15]

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • For sterling flatware, the best way to keep it beautiful is use it on a regular basis and gently wash and dry it immediately after each use. If it's not in storage for a long time, it won't have a chance to tarnish deeply.
  • In addition to taking off jewelry, consider wearing cotton gloves when handling silver items. Handle silver with bare hands only when using it for food service, and wear nitrile gloves when cleaning it.
  • Many stores and catalogs that sell silver also sell anti-tarnish silver chests lined with treated felt, or just the anti-tarnish felt cloth itself. The treated cloth substantially slows the tarnishing process, but it won't completely eliminate the need to polish your silver from time to time.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Avoid wearing silver jewelry in swimming pools. The chlorine can damage the silver in a short time.
  • Do not use fine silver to serve food containing eggs or mayonnaise, which can tarnish silver quickly.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Cellulose sponges
  • Cotton balls, pads, and swabs
  • Soft, 100% cotton towels

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Find a Hobby

Posted: 08 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT

If you choose to spend some of your free time being actively engaged in something that interests you, congrats—you have a hobby! And if you don't have a hobby picked out quite yet, don't worry. This article lists lots of very popular hobbies, including collecting, crafting, gardening, baking, gaming, and traveling, to name just a few. So, if you're looking for a new hobby, read on to see if any of the options listed here spark your curiosity.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]DIY projects

  1. Get creative, spruce up your home, and save money with this hobby. No matter your skill or experience level, there's a do-it-yourself (DIY) project that suits you. Try fixing a squeaky door, painting a room, re-tiling your bathroom, reconfiguring your garage, or building the kitchen of your dreams. You can learn a lot from DIY shows and websites, but also seek out hands-on experience in a classroom setting or alongside a more experienced DIYer.[1]
    Find a Hobby Step 1 Version 6.jpg
    • You can save a good deal of money by doing simple DIY projects yourself instead of calling a repair person each time. For instance, a quick fix of a leaky sink or running toilet can save you from paying a large bill for a few minutes of a plumber's time.
    • Don't be afraid to try something new, but also accept your limitations. For instance, don't mess around with electrical wiring or structural framing if you're not sure what you're doing. A good DIYer knows that some things are best left to the pros!

[Edit]Gardening

  1. Gardening offers outdoors time, light exercise, and beauty to enjoy. Whether you're growing a few potted flowers and vegetables on your balcony or beautifying a large backyard, gardening is a great hobby. It's suited to any budget, climate, or amount of available space—an indoor garden is a good option if you have limited room outdoors. And it's hard to beat the satisfaction of putting your own fresh-cut flowers in a vase or your own homegrown lettuce and tomatoes in your salad.[2]
    Find a Hobby Step 11 Version 4.jpg
    • Tasks like planting, watering, weeding, trimming, and harvesting do take some amount of time and commitment, but most gardeners find them to be manageable and even enjoyable.
    • If you have physical limitations that make on-the-ground gardening difficult, look into getting raised garden beds or easily-accessible planters.
    • Gardening doesn't need to be limited to your own home! Join a garden club or other local organization that works to beautify your community.

[Edit]Cooking or baking

  1. You have to eat anyway, so why not make food prep into a hobby? Like many other hobbies, cooking and baking are really easy to get into, but you can spend a lifetime trying to master them. And here's a nice perk as you work your way toward mastering this hobby: you get to eat your "mistakes"—which are usually still pretty tasty![3]
    Find a Hobby Step 12 Version 4.jpg
    • So what separates food prep as a necessity from food prep as a hobby? Ask yourself this question: Would you still enjoy your cooking or baking task if you didn't have to do it to feed yourself or your family?
    • If you're new to cooking or (especially) baking, follow recipes closely to get the best results. As you gain experience, don't be afraid to get more creative.

[Edit]Board or card games

  1. These hobbies are great for connecting with friends and family. Board games and card games may seem like outdated relics compared to all the tech options available to you. However, they're more hands-on and interactive, and are perfectly suited to spending quality time in person with others. You can schedule game nights to play Monopoly, Candyland, or Trivial Pursuit with your kids, or hold poker nights with your buddies.[4]
    Find a Hobby Step 13 Version 4.jpg
    • Role playing board games like Dungeons & Dragons really let you immerse yourself in the world of the game while connecting with friends. To get even more immersed, try cosplaying games that truly get you into character!

[Edit]Brain games

  1. Options like crossword puzzles and Sudoku challenge your mind. Similar to board games and card games, classic low-tech brain games like jigsaw puzzles are affordable activities you can do in the comfort of your home. It's also really easy to get brain games like Sudoku on your smartphone so you can pursue your hobby while you're out and about.[5]
    Find a Hobby Step 14 Version 4.jpg
    • As an added bonus, keeping your mind active with challenges like brain games may help to slow down certain types of mental decline as you age.

[Edit]Photography

  1. Photography is easy to get started with and consistently rewarding. If you carry around a cell phone, you already have a camera that's plenty good enough to get you started in the world of photography. Over time, if you choose, you can invest in more advanced cameras and equipment. In any case, this hobby encourages you to explore and experience the world around you in new ways, as well as build connections with other photo enthusiasts.[6]
    Find a Hobby Step 16 Version 4.jpg
    • Start out by just snapping pictures of whatever interests you. To advance your skills, use photography books and online tutorials, or sign up for a photography class at a community college.

[Edit]Collecting

  1. You can collect stamps, coins, or pretty much anything you wish. That's the great thing about collecting as a hobby—you can personalize what you collect so it suits you perfectly. Some people choose to collect things like baseball cards, dolls, or magazines in the hopes that they'll increase in value over time. But it's also fine to collect something just because you really like to![7]
    Find a Hobby Step 1 Version 5.jpg
    • When you collect things as a hobby, you usually want to show them off—and that can create space issues in your home. You may only have so much room to display cat figurines, for instance. In this case, define a space for your hobby display and sell, donate, or at least box up some of your collection when you run low on room.

[Edit]Music

  1. You can collect music or instruments, or make music as a hobby. Your music hobby might involve building up a great collection of vinyl records, for example. But also consider picking up an instrument and making music as your hobby. Play your favorite songs or try your hand at creating your own tunes. Play solo at home, get together with friends for jam sessions, or even share your love of music with the public.[8]
    Find a Hobby Step 2 Version 5.jpg
    • Learning to play the guitar, piano, saxophone, or any other musical instrument is a great hobby idea. It offers mental stimulation, hand-eye coordination training, and lots of opportunities for creativity.

[Edit]Reading

  1. Reading is a great way to both relax and broaden your horizons. Reading as a hobby? You better believe it! Try curling up with a good biography, inspirational work, whodunit, or romance novel. Reading encourages you to experience, explore, and think about the world from the comfort of your own home. And, especially if you have a library card, it's one of the most affordable hobbies out there.[9]
    Find a Hobby Step 3 Version 5.jpg
    • If you prefer a hobby with a more social component, try joining a book club.

[Edit]Writing

  1. This creative hobby ranges from journaling to writing books. Whether you're a poet, a blogger, a novelist, or a diarist, writing is one of the most creatively rewarding and intellectually stimulating hobbies out there. Sometimes the words flow effortlessly, and sometimes it's a slog to get a single sentence done, but writing is always a great mental workout.[10]
    Find a Hobby Step 4 Version 5.jpg
    • It's okay to just start writing, or you can check out writing classes at a nearby community center or community college.
    • You can write for the whole world to see on the web or in published works, write strictly for yourself, or go somewhere in between. It's all about what brings you happiness.
    • Calligraphy is another variation on writing as a hobby.

[Edit]Exercise

  1. Any exercise that you enjoy doing can definitely be a hobby. For some people, exercise might be a chore that they only do for the health benefits—kind of like going to the dentist. But if you find an exercise activity like running, biking, or yoga that you truly enjoy, there's no reason it can't become your hobby. Think of it this way—if you look forward to your next spin class as soon as the last one ends, it's a hobby![11]
    Find a Hobby Step 5 Version 5.jpg
    • Solo exercise can definitely be a hobby, but many types of exercise are great social activities to share with friends. Instead of biking alone, for example, you might join a biking club that goes on regular trail rides.

[Edit]Crafting

  1. Try making something yourself that's beautiful and/or functional. It's hard to top the satisfaction you get from standing back and admiring your handiwork after weaving a basket or making a necklace. But how do you go about figuring out which crafts are right for you? Try out lots of options that you think might interest you until you find that just-right crafting hobby.[12]
    Find a Hobby Step 7 Version 5.jpg
    • You might enjoy making and decorating birdhouses, adding some "bling" to boring picture frames, creating photo collages, or assembling cute but simple wind chimes, to name just a few options.
    • Check local craft stores, community centers, libraries, social clubs, or religious organizations for crafting classes or groups in your area.
    • Browse the internet for crafting ideas and inspiration. The options are endless!

[Edit]Knitting or sewing

  1. Needlework hobbies can be fun, challenging, and practical. Needlework activities like sewing and knitting may have an old-fashioned reputation to some people, but they're still great hobbies for modern times. They're affordable and easy to get into, and yet are difficult to ever truly master. You get to create beautiful designs that can also be very practical as blankets, scarves, skirts, and so on.[13]
    Find a Hobby Step 8 Version 5.jpg
    • Crocheting and quilting are other varieties of needlework that make great hobbies.
    • Needlework is fun as a solo activity or a social activity. Look around for knitting clubs in your area, for example, or start one up with your friends.
    • For help getting started, look for needlework classes in your community.

[Edit]Artwork

  1. Take up drawing, painting, sculpting, or another art activity. Making art is a great creative outlet that's also good for your hand-eye coordination. Just make sure you don't put pressure on yourself to create the next great artistic masterpiece. Instead, focus on having fun and letting your creativity flow.[14]
    Find a Hobby Step 9 Version 5.jpg
    • Art hobbies suit a wide range of hobby budgets. If you're looking for an ultra-affordable option, for instance, you can take up painting with little more than a watercolor set, a brush, and some paper.
    • Your local community college may offer a wide range of art classes in areas like painting, sculpture, pottery, and so on.

[Edit]Foreign Languages

  1. This is a practical hobby that can also be enjoyable and eye-opening. Learning a new language is always a good skill to add to your repertoire. Even if you don't really "need" to learn another language, however, doing so helps open your eyes to other cultures in ways you might not expect. It'll also probably inspire you to travel, which is another great hobby.[15]
    Find a Hobby Step 17 Version 4.jpg
    • You can certainly go the traditional route and take in-person language courses at, for instance, your local community college. But there are also a huge number of language-learning apps and online resources as well. Try out some free or low-cost options before deciding if it's worth the investment to spend on a higher-price program.

[Edit]Travel

  1. Whether you venture near or far, travel is a very rewarding hobby. Travel introduces you to new places, new people, and new cultures, all of which are great for personal growth. Even if travelling internationally doesn't fit your current budget or preferences, venturing beyond your home region in your own country can be both surprising and fulfilling.[16]
    Find a Hobby Step 18 Version 4.jpg
    • There's no one "right" way to travel. If going on cruises and making quick stops at various ports makes you happy, go for it. Or, if really immersing yourself in the cultures of the countries you visit suits you best, that's great as well.

[Edit]Pets

  1. Share a hobby with your dog or other animal pal. If you love spending time with your pet, and are also looking for a hobby to love, go ahead and combine them! You and your dog, for example, could get involved in "performance dog sports"—competitions that test your canine companion's speed, agility, intelligence, and more.[17]
    Find a Hobby Step 17 Version 5.jpg
    • Or, as another option, you might get involved in taking your dog, cat, bird, or other animal companion to pet shows. The goal here is to find a hobby that both you and your pet really enjoy.

[Edit]Good causes

  1. Get active supporting a cause that benefits society. If it gives you joy to get involved as a volunteer supporting a cause like cancer research or childhood literacy, then embrace it as your hobby. Find something that's meaningful to you and that you know can help make a difference in your community, then pour your passion into advancing that cause.[18]
    Find a Hobby Step 18 Version 5.jpg
    • If, for example, you have a family member who received a new kidney or who is waiting for a new liver, you might choose to get involved as a volunteer promoting organ donation.

[Edit]Nature

  1. Try bird watching, rock climbing, or another outdoor interest. Getting out into nature is good for your body and soul. Whether it's an easy nature walk or an arduous hike, a fishing trip or a canoeing expedition, or camping in the woods or gazing at the stars from your backyard, experiencing nature is a great hobby![19]
    Find a Hobby Step 6 Version 5.jpg
    • Nature hobbies are excellent for quiet contemplation on your own, and also for hanging out with friends and family.

[Edit]Tech

  1. Activities like coding and robotics are fun and challenging. Building your own robot doesn't have to be just a sci-fi dream anymore! Robotics kits are easy to find for hobbyists of all ages, skill levels, and budgets. Similarly, computer activities like coding are widely accessible and rewarding. If you're not sure where to start, look for introductory classes at your local library, community center, or community college.[20]
    Find a Hobby Step 15 Version 4.jpg
    • Keep in mind that aimlessly browsing the internet or checking your social media don't make for such great tech hobbies. Look for tech-related activities that offer greater mental stimulation—for instance, maybe you'd like to learn how to build your own website.

[Edit]Tips

  • Turn what you already love into a hobby! Think about the enjoyable things you gravitate toward doing when you have some spare time. Do you enjoy reading books? Maybe you want to try your hand at writing them. Do you like a cold beer at the end of the day? Maybe your hobby could be trying to brew beer at home.[21]
  • Did you like to race bikes with your friends as a kid? Were you really into painting, drawing, or collecting comic books? If you loved doing something as a kid, there's probably a variation of it that would make an enjoyable hobby for you now.[22]
  • Pick a free or inexpensive hobby if you don't have much wiggle room in your budget. For instance, you could read or write, take up running, or try gardening or camping.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  2. https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/study-reveals-most-popular-hobbies-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/article_882ebf2a-87e1-11ea-9c54-1fce0a4b2159.html
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  4. https://www.parentsandkids.com/38551/study-ranks-most-popular-hobbies-during-coronavirus-stay-at-home/
  5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healthy-engaged-brain/202004/the-benefits-brain-boosting-hobbies
  6. https://medium.com/photo-dojo/beginning-photography-as-a-hobby-55b3652bad77
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  8. https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/study-reveals-most-popular-hobbies-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/article_882ebf2a-87e1-11ea-9c54-1fce0a4b2159.html
  9. http://udreview.com/opinion-bring-back-reading-as-a-hobby/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  12. https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/study-reveals-most-popular-hobbies-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/article_882ebf2a-87e1-11ea-9c54-1fce0a4b2159.html
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  14. https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/study-reveals-most-popular-hobbies-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/article_882ebf2a-87e1-11ea-9c54-1fce0a4b2159.html
  15. https://www.parentsandkids.com/38551/study-ranks-most-popular-hobbies-during-coronavirus-stay-at-home/
  16. https://www.hobsess.com/5-reasons-to-make-travel-your-hobby/
  17. https://www.army.mil/article/242786/depot_shines_spotlight_on_unique_employee_hobbies
  18. https://news.ua.edu/2021/04/explore-unique-hobbies-find-community-in-uas-outside-the-box-clubs/
  19. https://northiowatoday.com/2021/04/21/the-best-hobbies-for-nature-lovers/
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby

How to Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Posted: 08 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT

Before you buy tile for a tiling project, you should be able to identify porcelain and ceramic tiles. Both are made from a mixture of clays and other materials, then kiln-fired. Both porcelain and ceramic tile are in the category of "ceramic tile." Ceramic tiles are divided into two groups: non-porcelain tiles (or ceramic) and porcelain tiles. In general terms, porcelain tiles are a higher quality and more resistant to damage, since they're fired in a kiln at higher temperatures and made of less porous materials.[1]

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Identifying Loose Tiles

  1. Inspect the tiles' finish to see how smooth it is. You can do this either by visually inspecting the tiles' top surfaces or by running your fingers over the top of the tiles. Porcelain tiles have a fine-grained finish that is smoother than the finish on ceramic tiles. So, if the finish is slightly bumpy or coarse when you touch it, you're dealing with non-porcelain (ceramic) tile.[2]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • If the tiles are already glazed, flip them over and look at the unglazed underside.
  2. Look for chips in the glaze to identify ceramic tile. Look closely at the glaze: if it's chipped, you will be able to see the tile's white or tan base. This is a sure sign that the tile is ceramic.[3] Porcelain tiles are sometimes, but not always, glazed. Most high-quality porcelain tiles will have a consistent color that goes through the top, body, and bottom of the tile. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are nearly always glazed.
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and are more resistant to wear and damage than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.
  3. Examine the sides of the tile for a white, tan, or red color. While porcelain tiles can be colored, ceramic tiles will always have a white, tan, or red color, with a colored glaze on top. So, if you see that the sides (and base) of the tile are any other color other than white, tan, or red, you can be sure that you're dealing with a porcelain tile.[4]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Some cheap, low-quality porcelain tiles may not have the color mixed through the body of the tile. Avoid purchasing these tiles.
  4. Compare the costs of the two tile types. In nearly every scenario, porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles: they take more time to produce, are more versatile, and tend to last longer. If you're looking at two types of tiles in a hardware or home-supply store, non-porcelain (ceramic) tiles will be a little cheaper.[5]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • As a broad rule of thumb, porcelain tile usually costs approximately 60% more than ceramic tile.

[Edit]Identifying Already-Installed Tiles

  1. Note the location in which the tiles have been installed. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are each better suited to distinct locations in a home. Porcelain is often installed in laundry rooms, bathroom floors, bathroom walls, shower stalls, and around bathtubs. Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic because of its hardness, and porcelain is also more resistant to moisture.[6]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is most often installed as flooring in high-traffic areas such as an entry way or a heavily-used hallway.
  2. See if the tiles are stained or discolored. If so, they're almost certainly ceramic. Porcelain tiles are very dense and have been designed to be impervious to stains. So, most staining substances (e.g., red wine) can be wiped off of them easily. Ceramic, on the other hand, is light, porous, and can absorb staining materials relatively easily.[7]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Stains on ceramic tiles could also come from foot traffic (dirt, mud, snow, etc.) if the tiles are located in an entryway.
  3. Inspect the faces of the tiles for uniform size and shape. The "face" of the tile is the top portion which faces upward or outward on installed tiles. Porcelain tiles have sharply-formed faces which are all exactly uniform in size. Due to their durability, porcelain tiles can be "rectified," or cut to highly specific dimensions for complete uniformity. This also allows the porcelain tiles to be grouted together with only small gaps between tiles.[8]
    Tell The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • If there is any discrepancy between the size of the tiles, you're dealing with ceramic tile.


[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Non-porcelain (ceramic) tiles are generally made from red or white clay mixtures. They're colored with an assortment of tile dyes. The tiles are finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern of the finished tile.
  • Ceramic tiles can be installed both on walls and in floors and are softer and easier to cut than porcelain. These non-porcelain ceramic tiles are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.
  • Porcelain tiles are generally made by pressing together the dust from porcelain clays. This results in a tile that is denser and more durable than ceramic tile.[9]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

No comments:

Post a Comment