Acetone timing

[whoopig01]

What is the longest you ever let a coin soak in it, what was it, and why?

[truthteller]

Heavy PVC will require a soaking of about 10-15 minutes.Then a lengthy squirt of acetone with an glass eyedropper. For high grade MS coins, a Q-tip is not recommended since the coin may become hairlined. For lower grade circ coins, just dip the Q-tip in acetone and wipe with the cotton head. Proof coins that have PVC, I would only recommend a lengthy bath of about 30 minutes. The acetone does not affect the surfaces. Remember to use a well ventilated room and NO HEAT sources nearby.

 

 

 

TRUTH

[spy88]

TRUTH, will acetone remove carbon spots? If so, how long a soak for them or does it depend on how many and how big they are? And don't you have to neutralize the dip after your done (distilled water?)?

 

Inquiring minds, and carbon-spotted coins, want to know!

[truthteller]

"TRUTH, will acetone remove carbon spots?"

 

 

NO, not in all my years has acetone been effective in removing carbon spots. On verdigris, acetone will stop the process, but will not remove the discoloration. However, there is hope. I have been developing a system for carbon and silver coins that will help with carbon stops. I use a solution of 10K jewelers acid(Nitric acid) with a wooden toothpick applicator. I have found that this solution is strong enough to eat away the carbon and verdegris, but not eat into the metal surface. After the application(depending on time), a Q-tip is used to remove the nitric acid. Then, a special formula mixture only known to me, is applied to the surface metal of the copper coin. This mixture slowly returns the coin to a copper look rather than the bright red surface of the newly cleaned metal. Essentially, the coin is reoxidized to match the surrounding color( this does not work with silver). Silver coins are treated similarly, but care is need in the solution timing, since the carbon removed will leave a dark, dusky patch of oxidized silver.

 

 

 

"If so, how long a soak for them or does it depend on how many and how big they are?"

 

I recommend only soaking for verdigris to stop the corrosion action.

 

 

" And don't you have to neutralize the dip after your done (distilled water?)?"

 

Acetone evaporates quickly, and often leaves no residue. However, acetone may change the color of the applied areas, so a rinse of distilled water is OK for silver, nickel coins. Copper is Ok, but don't let air dry. I recommend a quick pat of an absorbant paper towel, then a blow from a haridryer to remove any paper lint.

 

 

 

TRUTH

[toyonakataro]

This thread reminded me of a coin I've been soaking in acetone for more than 6 months....I've got to check the result after I get home

[nwcs]

About an hour or so. But I've heard numerous times that soaking longer has no net benefit. From what I understand, some agitation and a quick soak is all that is needed and then a quick final rinse in a fresh bowl of acetone and air dry.

[whoopig01]

I think I need to clarify my question. Answer the question from a personal experience point.

 

 

Ever have one BB'd for doing this?

[nwcs]

No because acetone won't affect a coin's surface, though it may react with chemicals placed on the coin surface.