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Cleaning for silver copper gold metals etc - I think have over cooked the recipes maybe?
snowdrop  
Posted : Sunday, 16 November 2014 7:24:58 PM(UTC)
snowdrop

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I'm a little confused as to what's best for what.
Have used cloudy ammonia, maybe I have left them in for too long.
another one was silver paper boiling water and salt. Hot soapy water
Can someone advise what's best for each metal and time frame

Many thanks snowdrop
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Mudwiggle  
Posted : Sunday, 16 November 2014 8:29:59 PM(UTC)
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I'd avoid using the tinfoil 'trick' on silvers - It's fast but very aggressive.
Just persevere with the ammonia - it takes time, but you won't likely trash the coin/ring.

MW
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snowdrop  
Posted : Sunday, 16 November 2014 8:36:38 PM(UTC)
snowdrop

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Hi MW
what sort of time frame for coins in cloudy ammonia

Do you use it for all types of metal. Some of mine have avert dull tan colour finish. Many thanks.
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Mudwiggle  
Posted : Sunday, 16 November 2014 8:43:34 PM(UTC)
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Depends how tarnished the silver is... can be as much as overnight for real stubborn ones, or as little as half an hour if they're not too bad. You know it's doing something when the solution starts getting a blue tint. Experience is the teacher here as there's no hard and fast rule.

If it's a really oxidised silver ring, I'll use electrolysis to loosen the bulk of the crud, then it's patience and gentle working to polish it up.
Having rooted a 1911 Aussie silver florin, I don't clean coins now unless they are common.

Gold, well, I'm a rough bugger and just polish them up.



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creamer  
Posted : Monday, 17 November 2014 5:06:53 PM(UTC)
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Silver coins only

The tinfoil trick on silver coins will eventually ruin them for sure.

CLR works a treat but may leave them with a semi dull finish. If your going to use it try for a minute or two first, then 10 minutes, then an hour or in extreme cases where the coin is a real mess and unrecogniseable, overnite. Dont do what i do and accidently leave it soaking for days.. Soak the coin in fresh water for a while when finished.

I use it because i hunt beaches mainly and some of the silvers are caked heavily with salt and hard to remove green crust. Its harsh stuff and i have learned a few lessons from using it when i shouldn't have.
Do not use CLR on copper/bronze coins or you could be kissing them goodbye.

If the coin only has dirt grime then soak for an hour or overnite with cloudy ammonia. Wipe with a soft cloth as a toothbrush can scratch.

HH

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Garrett Ace 350
Xpointer



www.nzfossickers.co.nz
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snowdrop  
Posted : Monday, 17 November 2014 8:52:20 PM(UTC)
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All valuable info for different metals. Thanks, what is CLR. I'm not blonde, grey!!
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Mudwiggle  
Posted : Monday, 17 November 2014 9:13:47 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: snowdrop Go to Quoted Post
All valuable info for different metals. Thanks, what is CLR. I'm not blonde, grey!!


http://search.mitre10.co.nz/hardware/Calcium-Lime-Rust :)



MW

Edited by user Monday, 17 November 2014 9:15:48 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified
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