kfields Posted June 29, 2020 Share #1 Posted June 29, 2020 Before I go at it with a too aggressive caustic approach, what is the best approach towards cleaning this medal (small area at about 7:00). Obviously I don't want to damage it nor do I want it to look so clean that it sticks out. Thanks! Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted June 29, 2020 Share #2 Posted June 29, 2020 What is it? Is it oxidization or just some gunk that got stuck on it?HuntSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfields Posted June 29, 2020 Author Share #3 Posted June 29, 2020 Looks like green verdigris to me - not a hunk of 80 year old pea soup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted June 29, 2020 Share #4 Posted June 29, 2020 https://www.rubylane.com/blog/categories/jewelry/verdigris-green-gunk-how-to-clean-it-from-your-jewelry/#:~:text=Soak the piece in straight,not be soaked in vinegar. https://nogemunturned.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/safely-remove-verdigris-from-vintage-costume-jewelry/ Here are some articles to look into. Looks like you should be pretty careful with these. I would recommend not going to far on it, Verdigris can threaten the integrity of the metal, as well as affect the metal plating. Basically if you take it all off you may find that you have a little divot where the verdigris is. Maybe a soft toothbrush with a vinegar and salt solution on the bristles with light circular moth scrubbing should help to clean some stuff off. I am about 99% sure there may be a noticeable difference in terms of the patina on the newly cleaned area opposed to everywhere else. A little bit of light scrubbing may end up yielding good enough results, while only removing some of the verdigris and leaving most of the patina in tact. Let me know how it goes! Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfields Posted June 29, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted June 29, 2020 Thanks Hunt! I think I got it! Here's a before and after: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfields Posted June 29, 2020 Author Share #6 Posted June 29, 2020 I started with a soft toothbrush, graduated to a cotton cloth and toothpick, introduced some mild dish soap and water, rubbing & wiping. Then (please don't hate me), I used fine steel wool very selectively on the rays - teenie little pieces of it. I think it turned out good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntssurplus Posted June 29, 2020 Share #7 Posted June 29, 2020 Looks great! I was worried that it would mess up the patina, but it seems like it turned out nicely! Nice job, glad it worked!HuntSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfields Posted June 29, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted June 29, 2020 Thanks ... I appreciated your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reforger Posted July 6, 2020 Share #9 Posted July 6, 2020 Yes, looks good. I wouldn't use vinegar or any other acid because it can really mess up the color. I would have said try a toothpick, but you already cleaned it up well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
917601 Posted July 9, 2020 Share #10 Posted July 9, 2020 Since you cleaned off oxidation and debris, you really, really need to seal it. Museums use Renaissance Micro- Crystaline wax. I use it on a lot of my ordnance, large pieces to small, and many of my rarer cartridges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reforger Posted July 9, 2020 Share #11 Posted July 9, 2020 I think if it stays dry and isn't subject to temperature chances, it should be good. The verdigris probably came from moisture. Brass isn't as susceptible to deterioration as iron. But I guess sealing it wouldn't hurt either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
917601 Posted July 10, 2020 Share #12 Posted July 10, 2020 14 hours ago, Reforger said: I think if it stays dry and isn't subject to temperature chances, it should be good. The verdigris probably came from moisture. Brass isn't as susceptible to deterioration as iron. But I guess sealing it wouldn't hurt either. Sealing it with Renaissance insures it remains in good condition for future owners and generations. Plus your ownership becomes carefree not having to check on it. Who knows when it is tossed into a box in some humid storage unit, the next owner will be glad you did it...which is exactly why many museums use the wax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reforger Posted July 10, 2020 Share #13 Posted July 10, 2020 You‘re right, didn‘t think about that aspect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfields Posted July 11, 2020 Author Share #14 Posted July 11, 2020 good suggestion. I think I'll do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted September 12, 2020 Share #15 Posted September 12, 2020 I've had a lot of luck with toothpaste for removing verdigris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reforger Posted September 15, 2020 Share #16 Posted September 15, 2020 I‘ve had the problem that toothpaste cleans metal very well but it doesn‘t take long and it tarnishes again and leaves stains/discoloration on the surface. Doesn‘t look great when it has dark stains and fingerprints visible on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted September 16, 2020 Share #17 Posted September 16, 2020 I've cleaned 120+ year old with toothpaste 5+ years ago, no return of verdigris. No fingerprints, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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