Whether you’re a collector, survivalist or investor, you want to keep your precious metals in great condition. Proper storage helps you do just that.
The best place to store silver is in an airtight container. This can be done at home, in a safe deposit box or in a third-party depository.
Plastic
If you want to store your silver in a bag, it is important to use the right type of plastic. The most common plastic used for storage is polyethylene, a substance that is manufactured from a mixture of petroleum and natural gas.
The polyethylene molecules are called monomers, and they consist of large ethylene units that are joined to form long chains of carbon. The resulting polymer is durable and resistant to a variety of chemicals.
Because of this, it is important to choose a plastic bag that has anti-tarnish protection built into it. Otherwise, the moisture and tarnish-causing gases in the air will seep through the bag and affect your precious metals.
Mylar
If you’re looking for a way to store silver safely, consider using mylar bags. Mylar is a flexible polyethylene film that’s used in a variety of applications. It has high tensile strength, chemical and dimensional stability, transparency, gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical insulation.
Mylar is also commonly used to package long-term food storage. These bags are perfect for storing dry foods, including wheat, white rice, beans, pasta, and dehydrated fruits/vegetables.
The shelf life of these foods can be up to 5 years if they’re packaged in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. However, the food must be completely dry to prevent botulism poisoning.
Mylar bags are also a good choice for storing weapons like guns. They can protect them from moisture and salt, and they may help reduce the risk of rusting. Some companies even offer gun storage kits with Mylar bags and a desiccant pack to control internal moisture.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a popular way to purify water, remove odors and prevent toxins from building up in your home. It also works well at removing tarnish from silver.
Typically made from wood, coconut shell, peat or coal, activated charcoal is activated by heating. This process creates tiny nooks and crannies, making it very porous.
These pores make it an excellent adsorbent, or surface-binding substance. It traps many substances that wouldn’t normally be absorbed into the body, including toxins and chemicals.
Activated charcoal is used to prevent poisoning and in emergency cases of overdose. When a poisoned person drinks it, the charcoal binds with the substance to form a fine powder that mixes with water and helps to push the poison through the gastrointestinal tract before it can be absorbed.
Vacuum-sealed bags
Vacuum-sealed bags can be a great way to store silver. They protect it from tarnish and damage, and they make it easy to take out for buying and selling purposes.
However, they do come with some drawbacks: Plastic can melt if it gets too hot or if it gets stuck with another kind of plastic bag. This is especially true when they’ve been in storage for a long time.
If you want to store silver for a while, it’s best to find higher-quality bags made of a thicker plastic. These are generally a lot more durable than the trash bags you’ll pick up at the grocery store.
Vacuum sealer bags are also a common choice for sous vide cooking, where they can help create tender, delicious meats and vegetables without drying them out or killing their flavor. These bags are also BPA free, making them safe to use with food.
