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Verdigris removal help


Jay V
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Hi Guys

Just got another ammo belt and it has some slight verdigri on the metal snaps,and was wondering the best and safest way to remove the problem without any damage to the belt.Thanks jay

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Hi Guys

Just got another ammo belt and it has some slight verdigri on the metal snaps,and was wondering the best and safest way to remove the problem without any damage to the belt.Thanks jay

 

I use stiff brass brushes: you do some pretty heavy scrapping without damaging the good stuff. At times I even use a rotary brass brush on a Dremel tool running as slow speed. Right around snaps and other such hardware attached to the belt or other item I use toothpicks to scrape off the green crud, trying to reach as far possible between the snap and the fabric.

 

I have seen one too many holsters and knife sheaths ruined because the verdigris rotted away the leather or the part of the metal snap itself (they're held on with sort of a rivet). So the damage is already there in the form of verdigris so be agressive in removing it and, again, brass brushes can work miracles (go to the hardware store and get the one that look like tootbrushes).

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Thanks Guys

here there any type of oil or vasoline i should put on it? Jay

 

After you clean around and beneath the snaps you could wet a toothpick tip with light oil and try to work it in around the edge of the snap.

 

By the way, for those who see green verdigris as only a visual flaw, here's a nice little quote from elsewhere:

 

The corrosive turquoise colored substance known as verdigris can slowly dissolve copper and bronze items.

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  • 3 weeks later...
After you clean around and beneath the snaps you could wet a toothpick tip with light oil and try to work it in around the edge of the snap.

 

By the way, for those who see green verdigris as only a visual flaw, here's a nice little quote from elsewhere:

 

The corrosive turquoise colored substance known as verdigris can slowly dissolve copper and bronze items.

 

Wow, thanks for the "heads up." I'll pull out my brass brushes immediately! Unfortunately, I always thought the verdigris looked kind of cool. But

 

then again, I used to think a powder blue, bell- bottomed tuxudo [with companion- colored simulated velvet lapels] used to look cool also.

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I don't recommend using this on historical artifacts so if you choose to use it; do so at your own risk.

 

Naphtha dissolves verdigris.

 

Naphtha is nasty stuff, so if you do choose to try it, make sure you are in an extremely well ventilated area (preferably outside) and keep any source of ignition away from the fumes. Wear gloves.

 

 

Chris

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  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...
RustyCanteen

I would not recommend oil, it seems like a good thing to do but it will dry pretty quick and could run into the canvas/leather staining and possibly damaging the item more.

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I see nobody has mentioned using "White Vinegar" . . . stinks to high heaven for a bit but works like a charm without damaging fabric. I've used it many times with great success!

 

Hope this helps!

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  • 4 months later...
Corpl. Cleaver

I got a nice 1944 poncho today. Besides the toothpick method, how would be the best way to clean it and not mess up the rubber/canvas??

 

Tyler

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