What is Acetone and how is it used?

[koko1333-migration]

I've seen several peple refer to Acetone and that they have used it on their coins.

 

What is this and does it damage the coins?

 

 

Thanks

[lkenefic]

koko... Acetone is an organic solvent. It can be used to stop PVC damage [that green residue] on silver coins. It won't harm coins by itself, but some use it in conjunction with a Q-tip to lift out either dirt or the PVC. It's this rubbing with a Q-tip or other device that will harm the coin... especially coins in higher MS or PF condition where the hairlines will be much more evident.

[jesbroken]

Is acetone available at Lowe's or paint shops or where? EZest is not the same thing and ruins copper but does ok with silver.

[rbrown4]

Yes you can purchase 100% acetone at hardware stores in the paint section.

 

But be very careful it is highly flammable and not good to breath or absorb into the skin.

 

Rey

[halfpint]

 

 

got my acetone at lowes.

 

 

[ant]

lowes is my friend also in the paint section.

[Shortgapbob-migration]

Also make sure you purchase pure acetone, and not any sort of mix.

 

Acetone does a good job of removing surface residues, such as PVC and tape residue, without chemically reacting with the surface of the coin.

[ant]

true! nail polish remover will not work as wanted its not a prety thing

[Oldtrader3]

It is dimethyl-ketone. Ketones are organic solvents used for cleaning (degreasing) metal and to bond plastics. Acetone is very flammable and can cause euphoria and possible brain damage if over-inhaled. It should always be used outdoors.

[CarlWohlforth]

Acetone is a solvent that will remove some stuff from metal. I used to work in a printing factory. We used blanket wash for rubber rollers and acetone for metal rollers. I took some acetone out to my car to clean up the engine and spilled some on the body. Paint was removed! I bought acetone from a hardware store and dipped some coins in it. It removed some stuff, but not most stuff. It evaporated soon after. Where did it go? I'm happy I had the windows open and that I don't smoke.

 

Here is a Barber Quarter that I used acetone on:

 

 

Here is after the acetone soak and Q-tip rub:

 

 

It was my best success with acetone.

[PerryHall]

Nice work. Definite improvement.

[Houston Investor]

good job

[Shortgapbob-migration]

Great job on the Barber!

[koko1333-migration]

Do you dip it in and let it sit in the acetone for a period of time or do you just dip it in and take it right back out and then gentle wipe to grime off?

[bsshog40]

The acetone should just melt the pvc , etc... off the coin. I very nice rinse is usually all that's needed. No Wiping!!!! Nice work there carl. That barber looks much better.