A Masonic medal is more than just an objectit’s a symbol of history  achievement  and personal journey within the fraternity. Over time  even the most cherished medals can lose their luster due to tarnish  a natural process that dulls the surface of metals. Restoring these pieces requires a delicate touch to preserve their intricate details and symbolic value.

Learning how to clean tarnished Masonic medals safely is essential for any member who wishes to maintain the dignity and beauty of their regalia. This guide will walk you through the entire process  from identifying the material of your medal to applying the final polish. With these step-by-step instructions  you can confidently bring your Masonic treasures back to their original splendor  ensuring they can be worn with pride for years to come.

First  Identify the Material of Your Masonic Medal

Before you begin cleaning  the most crucial step is to identify the metal your Masonic medal is made from. Different metals react differently to cleaning agents  and using the wrong product can cause permanent damage. Common materials for Masonic medals include sterling silver  gold  brass  bronze  and pewter. Some may also have enamel inlays  gemstones  or plated surfaces.

Here’s how you can identify the material:

• Look for Hallmarks: Precious metals like silver and gold are often stamped with small hallmarks. For sterling silver  look for stamps like “925 ” “Sterling ” or “Ster.” Gold medals may be marked with “10K ” “14K ” or “18K ” indicating the karat purity. These marks are often tiny and may be located on the edge or back of the medal.
• Check for Plating: If a medal is gold-plated or silver-plated  a base metal (like brass or copper) is coated with a thin layer of precious metal. Look for areas where the plating may have worn away  revealing a different colored metal underneath. Plated medals require a much gentler approach  as aggressive cleaning can strip the plating off.
• Assess the Color and Weight: Brass typically has a yellowish  muted gold color  while bronze has a warmer  reddish-brown hue. Pewter is a softer  grayish metal that is generally lighter than silver. If there are no hallmarks  the color can be a strong indicator.
• Use a Magnet: Precious metals like gold and silver are not magnetic. If a magnet sticks to your medal  it is likely made of a base metal with a silver or gold plating.

Once you have a clear idea of the material  you can choose the safest and most effective cleaning method. When in doubt  always start with the gentlest approach.

Use Mild Cleaning Solutions to Remove Tarnish

For most metal Masonic medals  a simple and mild cleaning solution is the best place to start. Harsh chemicals can be too abrasive and may damage delicate surfaces. A gentle approach is always recommended  especially for your first attempt at removing light tarnish.

A reliable and safe cleaning solution can be made with just a few household items:

• Warm Water and Mild Dish Soap: This is the gentlest method and should always be your first step.

• • Fill a bowl with warm water.
  • Add a few drops of mild  phosphate-free dish soap.
  • Submerge the medal and let it soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any dirt and grime.
  • Use a very soft brush  like a baby toothbrush or a soft-bristled artist’s brush  to gently scrub the surface. Pay close attention to crevices  but avoid applying too much pressure.
  • Rinse the medal thoroughly under cool  running water to remove all soap residue.

If this initial cleaning doesn’t remove the tarnish  you can move on to a slightly stronger but still safe method.

• Baking Soda Paste (for Silver  Brass  and Bronze):

• • Create a paste by mixing two parts baking soda with one part water.
  • Apply the paste to the medal with your fingers or a soft cloth.
  • Gently rub the paste over the tarnished areas in a circular motion. Baking soda is a mild abrasive  so be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
  • Rinse the medal completely to remove all traces of the paste.

Important Note: Avoid using baking soda on plated medals  as its abrasive nature can wear away the thin metal layer. For plated items  stick to soap and water.

How to Polish Tarnished Masonic medals

After cleaning  polishing is the next step to restore your medal’s shine. Polishing should be done carefully to avoid damaging fine details. The goal is to buff the surface to a high gloss without being too abrasive.

• Use a Professional Polishing Cloth: The safest way to polish a Masonic medal is with a pre-treated polishing cloth designed for jewelry. These cloths are typically two-sided: one side for removing tarnish and the other for buffing to a shine. They are infused with a micro-abrasive that is gentle enough for most metals  including silver and gold. Rub the medal gently with the cleaning side first  then use the polishing side to bring out the luster.
• DIY Polishing with a Soft Cloth: If you don’t have a professional cloth  a soft  lint-free cloth  like microfiber or flannel  will work well. For an extra bit of polishing power  you can use a very small amount of a suitable metal polish.

• • For Silver: Use a polish specifically formulated for silver.
  • For Gold: Gold doesn’t tarnish as easily as silver  but it can become dull. A jewelry polishing cloth is usually sufficient.
  • For Brass and Bronze: Use a polish designed for these specific metals.

When polishing  use light pressure and circular motions. Always test any commercial polish on a small  inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.

Best Methods for Restoring Gold or Silver Shine

Gold and silver medals require specific care to restore their brilliant shine without causing harm.

Restoring Silver Medals

Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing  which appears as a dark  blackish layer.

• Silver Polishing Cloth: As mentioned  this is the safest method. It gently removes tarnish while leaving the patina in recessed areas  which often adds to the character of an older medal.
• Silver Polish Cream or Paste: For heavier tarnish  a high-quality silver polish can be effective. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth  rub gently  and then buff with a clean cloth. Be sure to rinse any residue off completely.
• Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda Bath (for heavy tarnish): This electrochemical method removes tarnish without abrasion.

1. 1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil  shiny side up.
   2. Place the silver medal inside  ensuring it touches the foil.
   3. Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda over the medal.
   4. Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water into the bowl until the medal is submerged.
   5. You may notice a faint sulfur smell as the tarnish transfers from the silver to the foil.
   6. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes  then carefully remove the medal  rinse it  and buff it dry with a soft cloth.
      Note: This method will remove all tarnish  including any desirable patina in the crevices  so use it with caution on antique pieces.

Restoring Gold Medals

Gold is more resistant to tarnish but can get dirty and dull.

• Soap and Water Solution: A simple soak in warm  soapy water is often enough to restore gold’s shine.
• Ammonia Solution (Use with Caution): For a deeper clean  you can mix a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water. Soak the gold medal for no more than one minute  then immediately remove it  rinse thoroughly  and dry. Ammonia is a powerful chemical  so only use this method sparingly and in a well-ventilated area. Never use ammonia on medals with gemstones or enamel.

How to Treat Stubborn Tarnish on Intricate Designs

Masonic medals often feature intricate designs  lettering  and symbols. Tarnish can be particularly stubborn in these recessed areas.

• Soft-Bristled Brush: A very soft toothbrush or a specialized detailing brush can help you get into tiny crevices. After applying a mild cleaning solution  use the brush to gently work the cleaner into the detailed areas.
• Wooden Toothpick: For packed-in grime  you can carefully use the tip of a wooden or plastic toothpick to gently scrape away debris. Avoid using metal picks  like a pin or needle  as they will scratch the medal’s surface.
• Targeted Polishing: Instead of applying polish all over  use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of polish directly to the stubbornly tarnished spots. This gives you more control and helps preserve the patina in the surrounding recessed areas.

Preserve Engraved Details While Cleaning

The engraved details on a Masonic medal are paramount. Aggressive cleaning can wear down these fine lines  diminishing the medal’s historical and personal value.

• Avoid Abrasive Polishes: Steer clear of harsh polishes or cleaners that feel gritty. These can act like sandpaper on the surface.
• Rub in the Direction of the Engraving: When possible  try to rub gently along the lines of the engraving rather than across them.
• Embrace the Patina: On many vintage or antique medals  the dark patina in the recessed areas of the engraving makes the details stand out. Over-cleaning can remove this contrast  making the design look flat and less defined. It’s often best to clean the raised surfaces while leaving the background darker.

How to Remove Tarnish from Medals with Enamel or Gemstones

If your medal has enamel work or gemstones  extra care is essential.

• Enamel: Enamel is essentially glass fused to metal. It can be brittle and can be damaged by harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing. Clean enameled areas with a soft  damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Avoid soaking the piece  as moisture can seep behind the enamel and cause it to lift. Never use ammonia or other harsh chemicals on enamel.
• Gemstones: The cleaning method depends on the type of stone.

• • Hard Stones (Diamonds  Sapphires  Rubies): These can typically withstand a gentle cleaning with soap and water.
  • Soft or Porous Stones (Pearls  Opals  Turquoise): These stones are very delicate and should only be wiped with a soft  damp cloth. Avoid all chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • When in doubt  it is safest to avoid the gemstones entirely and focus on cleaning the metal around them with a cotton swab.

Drying Techniques to Maintain Shine

Properly drying your Masonic medal after cleaning is just as important as the cleaning itself. Lingering moisture can lead to water spots or even encourage new tarnish to form.

• Pat  Don’t Rub: Use a soft  clean  lint-free cloth to gently pat the medal dry. Rubbing can leave fine scratches  especially on a freshly polished surface.
• Use a Hairdryer on a Cool Setting: For intricate medals with many crevices where water can get trapped  a hairdryer on its coolest setting can be a great tool. Hold it several inches away from the medal and move it around to ensure all areas are completely dry.
• Final Buff: Once the medal is bone-dry  give it one last gentle buff with a clean polishing cloth to maximize its shine and remove any fingerprints.

Your Path to a Restored Medal

Cleaning a tarnished Masonic medal is a rewarding process that honors its significance. By taking the time to identify the material and using gentle  methodical steps  you can safely restore its shine while preserving its intricate details. A well-maintained medal is not just a beautiful piece of regaliait’s a testament to your respect for the traditions and history it represents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I clean my Masonic medals?

It depends on how often they are worn or displayed. For medals worn frequently  a light cleaning every few months is a good idea. For medals in storage  an annual check-up and cleaning should suffice.

2. Can I use toothpaste to clean my silver medal?

It’s best to avoid toothpaste. Many modern toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch silver and other soft metals. Stick to products designed for jewelry or gentle homemade solutions.

3. What is patina  and should I remove it?

Patina is the natural oxidation that occurs on metals like silver and bronze over a long period. It often appears as a dark layer in the recessed areas of a design. Many collectors value patina as it adds character and proves the age of a piece. Whether to remove it is a personal choice  but on antique medals  preserving the patina is generally recommended.

4. Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner for my Masonic medals?

Ultrasonic cleaners can be great for plain metal jewelry  but they should be used with extreme caution for Masonic medals. The vibrations can loosen or damage gemstones  enamel  and delicate filigree work. It’s best to avoid them unless you are certain the medal is solid metal with no additions.

5. My medal is gold-plated. How can I clean it without removing the plating?

For gold-plated medals  use only the gentlest method: a soft cloth with warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Never use abrasive cleaners  pastes  or harsh chemicals  as they can easily strip away the thin layer of gold.

6. How should I store my Masonic medals to prevent tarnish?

Store them in a cool  dry place. Anti-tarnish bags or cloths treated with silver nitrate are excellent for silver medals. Storing each medal in its own soft pouch or compartment will also prevent it from getting scratched by other items.

7. What if my medal has a ribbon attached?

Remove the ribbon before cleaning the medal  if possible. If it cannot be removed  be very careful not to get it wet or expose it to cleaning agents  which can cause discoloration or damage to the fabric. Clean the medal carefully using a cotton swab to apply cleaning solutions.

8. The tarnish on my bronze medal is green. Is that normal?

Yes  the green or bluish-green tarnish on bronze and copper is called verdigris. It can be removed with a paste of lemon juice and salt or a commercial brass/bronze cleaner  but be gentle as it can be corrosive if left on for too long.

9. Can I use a commercial dip cleaner for my silver medal?

Silver “dip” cleaners are very aggressive and can strip away all patina instantly  giving the medal a sterile  overly bright look. While effective for heavy tarnish  they should be used as a last resort and with caution  as they can devalue antique pieces.

10. My medal is made of pewter. How do I clean it?

Pewter is a very soft metal and scratches easily. Clean it with warm  soapy water and a soft cloth. For polishing  make a paste of flour  salt  and vinegar. Apply the paste  let it dry  then wipe it off and buff with a soft cloth.