How to clean bronze coins

How to clean a copper coin?

Not only numismatists are interested in how to clean copper coins, but also connoisseurs of antiquities. Rare things, especially copper ones, are attractive. They are charmingly beautiful, but this beauty is hidden under a layer of dirt, plaque and oxides. Cleaning ancient finds that have been exposed to an aggressive environment is difficult, but quite possible.

Before you start directly cleaning the copper from oxides, you need to carefully remove the layer of earth, clay and dirt from it. To do this, you need to rinse the coin under warm running water, using soap and carefully removing the layer of dirt with a brush. Finds can also be left in distilled water for several days.

The structure of copper is weak and unstable, it is very prone to oxidation, corrosion and structural changes. The main thing in cleaning copper coins is to do no harm. Therefore, if you are not a professional, then it is better to entrust the sedum process to knowledgeable people. Conduct your first clearings and gain experience on inexpensive coins.

The nature of formations on the surface of copper coins

The deposit of dirt and earth on the surface of the coin is the smallest part in cleaning. A complex mixture of gases in the form of air contributes to the formation of deposits of varying complexity and colors on the copper surface. The most common colors are:

• black – copper oxide and sulfide;
• green – copper dihydroxide carbonate;
• blue – copper azurite;
• red-brown - copper oxide.

The most difficult thing is to determine how to clean a copper coin from green deposits without spoiling it. Before you begin the actual process of removing plaque, you need to understand its nature. There is a very toxic layer for a copper coin, called verdigris or green copper, formed during the reaction of copper with oxygen. This is a very strong oxidation that is difficult to remove.

There is also a layer of oxide - patina. It does not spoil, but protects the surface from the negative influence of air. It is formed over a long period of time, under the influence of earth and air. Many numismatists believe that the patina should not be removed from a copper coin, as it indicates authenticity and value.

Methods that are recommended and used for cleaning

If you set yourself a goal, you will get a lot of recommendations for cleaning coppers. On various forums and websites you will find advice on how and with what to clean copper coins at home.

The following cleaning methods are used:

• in a soap solution;
• in citric acid;
• in kefir;
• ammonia;
• electrolysis;
• vinegar;
• boiling in soda;
• boiling in oil;
• trinol B;
• mechanical cleaning.

Each cleaning method has the right to life, everyone can give a positive result even at home. But not all methods are safe for the coin. If you are dealing with old money, it is better not to take risks, so as not to regret it.

Safe methods for getting rid of green plaque

Most of all, any owner of an antique is interested in how to clean a copper coin from greenery safely and effectively. One of the simple and effective methods of cleaning greens is to immerse a coin in kefir for several hours. Afterwards, rinse the coin in distilled water. This cleaning will not harm the copper or the design, but in some cases it may not be enough.

The safest method is soaking in soapy water. A slightly alkaline soapy environment will gently dissolve copper oxides. Use laundry or baby soap, grated and poured with boiling water.

Coins are immersed in the thickened solution for an indefinite period of time. The process is repeated several times if the greens do not go away immediately. The main disadvantage is the duration of the method, sometimes it takes months.

Medical ammonia will help remove the green coating from copper. It is enough to immerse the coin for 30 seconds and then clean it with a brush. These steps must be repeated several times until the greenery is gone. With this method, the patina will disappear from the surface, but the coin will not lose color, the main thing is not to overexpose it in ammonia.

A 10% solution of citric acid is also used to clean bright green plaque.

The most effective cleaning methods

A quick, high-quality and simple cleaning option is to boil coppers in a soda solution. Dissolve 3-5 tablespoons of soda in a liter of water and boil the coins in the solution for 30 minutes. The green oxides should go away, the patina layer is not destroyed, but cavities and irregularities may open.

Very good results are obtained by cleaning copper coins in a special product Trilon B. Most insoluble metal salts dissolve in it, so all oxides and patina are removed from the surface of the copper coins.

Trinol B does not destroy metal and provides high cleaning speed. If the coin has uniform oxides, then it is cleaned to a shine. If the structure of the oxides is uneven, they may remain, and the method must be repeated.

After such cleaning, it is necessary to carry out artificial patination.

The most masterly and effective is mechanical cleaning - a grandiose experience and work of a master. The coin is restored by removing excess from the surface using special tools. The work is carried out by a real professional under a microscope. There are no cavities or flaws left, the results are simply magnificent.

Dangerous cleaning methods

You need to think carefully about whether you need to clean your coins at all. Very often, uncleaned copper money is valued significantly more. It may happen that cleaning will reveal all the imperfections of the coin that were hidden under a layer of patina and oxides or destroy it altogether.

Methods of removing deposits that use various acids can greatly destroy the coin. Yes, any acid will quickly remove the green coating, but at the same time all cavities, destruction and irregularities will be exposed.

Cleaning copper coins by electrolysis can be completely unsafe, since the work involves electricity. If the coin does not have severe damage and obvious cavities, then this method will be effective.

Otherwise, all defects will be exposed and the value will be destroyed.

A dangerous method is boiling coins in oil; with this technique you must be careful and be sure to follow safety precautions. Always use special safety glasses and clothing.

The container must be open, as oil vapor may explode. Vegetable or medical Vaseline oil is used.

The boiling point of oils is more than 300 degrees, copper carbonates dissolve completely.

We give the cleaned coin an attractive presentation

After any cleaning, it is recommended to “boil” the copper money, that is, boil it several times in distilled water. Any cleaning method will give the coppers an unsightly appearance. To achieve a beautiful appearance, the coin is covered with an artificial patina.

Dissolve 50 g of copper sulfate and 5 g of potassium permanganate in a liter of distilled water. Coins are dipped into a solution heated to 80 degrees. You should monitor the color change and periodically turn the coins over.

Remove the coppers from the solution after obtaining the desired color.

After this procedure, the coins are dried and a protective coating is applied. This is also called “mothballing” the coin. Use a 1:1 mixture of benzene and alcohol. You can also use beeswax as such a coating.

All of the above is not ultimately true. This is just the experience and advice of some numismatists. If cleaning copper coins is a new area for you, we recommend that you practice on inexpensive coins and entrust valuable specimens to professionals.

Source: https://placeclean.ru/kak-ochistit-mednuyu-monetu.html

Cleaning aluminum bronze coins - recommendations from professionals and experts

How to properly store coins at home? The main thing is the absence of moisture and direct rays of the sun. It is important to properly organize the storage of the collection. There are 3 types of organizers.

1. Albums. Each page is divided into several compartments with plastic pockets. Items are stored without touching each other, they are easy and interesting to look at.
2. Tablet computers. Made from cardboard. Slots are created on the sheet, with the help of which coins are attached.
3. Pencil cases. They consist of 2 layers of glass, between which products are placed in specialized compartments. The devices not only allow you to examine products from each side, but also reliably protect them from dust and moisture.

Coins made of various metals: specifics of care

How to clean coins to make them sparkle? It depends on the metal. Any material has certain properties that determine its care.

Table - Specifics of caring for coins made of various metals

Multifunctional household products

When looking for a way to quickly clean old coins, you need to worry about not damaging the metal. If you're new to numismatics, try one of the four multi-tools.

Soda for cleaning royal coins

1. Before cleaning the royal copper coins, take a scraper and carefully remove traces of earth, clay and other contaminants from the surface.
2. Dissolve tbsp in a glass of water. spoon of soda.
3. Boil the solution and put iron cash in it.
4. Continue heating the liquid for another half hour.
5. Wash and dry the products.
6. If the result is not satisfactory, the procedure must be repeated again.

Ammonia for silver and bronze

1. Prepare a solution of one part ammonia and nine parts water.
2. To remove green deposits from silver coins, dip them in liquid.
3. After an hour, take the products out and wipe them well with a dry cloth.
4. If we are talking about how to clean bronze coins, then you should not rub them. Just wrap it in soft cloth.

Carbonated drinks for cupronickel

1. Cleaning cupronickel coins begins with placing them on the bottom of a glass container.
2. Fill them with Coca-Cola or other carbonated drink.
3. Iron cash must be kept in liquid for a week.
4. To ensure uniform cleaning, rotate items daily.

Cleaning Soviet coins: 2 ways

Cleaning USSR coins at home does not cause any big problems. Such specimens were in use almost recently, and therefore heavy stains and darkening are rarely found on them. Cleaning Soviet cash with aggressive cleaning compounds is completely prohibited. Grandmother's remedies are more suitable.

Soda, ammonia and toothpaste

1. To clean white Soviet coins, mix equal amounts of baking soda, toothpaste and ammonia.
2. Apply the mixture to a cloth and rub the metal thoroughly.
3. Remove any remaining product with a brush.
4. Rinse the coins and wipe dry.

lemon acid

1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of citric acid in a glass of hot water.
2. Hold the coin with tweezers and lower it into the solution for 15-20 seconds.
3. Rinse the product in water and wipe dry.

Cleaning copper coins: 3 ways

How to clean a copper coin at home? A problematic question, since copper is considered a “capricious” metal. Based on the experience of numismatists, it is necessary to highlight three gentle and productive means.

Simple soap

1. Pour Vaseline or olive oil into a saucepan and set on fire.
2. Once the oil boils, place coins in it.
3. Continue boiling until the impurities leave the metal.
4. When the oil has cooled, remove the items and wipe with medical alcohol.

1. Before applying copper coin cleaner, wash the item thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Rub the areas that have become rusty with a cotton swab soaked in 9% table vinegar.
3. Rinse the product in cold water and dry.

How to clean coins using electrolysis

Electrolysis is one of the very fast and excellent ways to clean metal from dirt and stains. At the same time, the technique is dangerous, as it involves the consumption of electricity. And the risk of spoiling the coin increases. If you are confident in your own abilities, strictly follow the instructions.

4 more taboos

When looking for a way to polish coins and give them shine and sparkle, it is important not to overdo it. Careless handling of tools or cleaning products can lead to damage to expensive items. To prevent this from happening, you need to learn 4 taboos.

If you are just starting your own journey as a numismatist, remember that cleaning coins at home cannot return them to their wonderful original appearance. Therefore, if you have valuable specimens on hand, it is important to protect them from darkening and contamination. Before hiding the product in the organizer, thoroughly wipe with alcohol and lubricate with Vaseline.

As with the winter test of the Tornado coil, I will not be original in the method of cleaning Soviet aluminum bronze coins. I once saw this method in one video clip on the vastness of a common video hosting site. I immediately liked the method because of its simplicity and effectiveness, so, if possible, I decided to repeat it and share the result with my reader.

One day, while wandering between the shelves in a store, the object that was used to clean yellow coins in the video catches my eye. This is a shoe brush. However, it is unusual - its inner part of the bristles is made of brass. These bristles are the important element that helps us get rid of plaque on the yellow field of the coin.

Let me remind you: Soviet kopecks made of aluminum bronze in denominations 1, 2, 3, 5 were issued from 1926 to 1957. As you can see: the period is quite long, so such coins are often caught in the mine. I like the yellow color of these coins, which is why they are my favorite.

So, the author of the video advised that before cleaning the pennies with a shoe brush, wet them. I’ll say right away that this is so that the dirt softens a little and makes it easier to clean off. But, since I’m impatient, I generally don’t soak them, but immediately clean the coins, adding a little soap at the same time.

In this case, I will have a pair of 2 kopecks as a prototype. 1955 and 56 years of release.

These coins were found using a metal detector already this year, so they’re fresh.

Cleaning two copies took about five minutes. The result is shown in the photo below:

Personally, I am pleased with the result. Pennies cleaned with this option look great, even more natural than after polishing. Since brass is softer than a bronze alloy, there are no scratches on the field of the coin. The author of the video even provided pictures from under a microscope - there are no scratches.

What about other coins?

But I wondered how coins made from other metals and alloys would look after cleaning this way. For the experiment, I took 50 kopecks from 1992 (should be made of brass), 50 kopecks “50 years of the Soviet Union” (copper-nickel alloy) and 5 kopecks from 1869 (should be made of copper). Here they were in a similar state before cleaning:

Modern and Soviet kopecks were dug this year, and from copper last season.

I worked with a brush on the field of coins a little longer than the first time and the result is published in the photo below:

As you can see: I was never able to clean the 1992 penny to a shine - I didn’t have enough strength; 50 kopecks of advice - “neither fish nor fowl”; and a coin from the 19th century, on which it had apparently been barbecued a couple of times, was freed only from dust.

So: the method of cleaning with a shoe brush does not stop working exclusively for pennies made of aluminum bronze.

Hello! Help needed.

I read on the Internet a way to clean aluminum bronze coins: dip in NH4OH for 15-20 minutes, then clean with soda. I decided to try it first on brass coins - everything went well.

Then he dipped coins made of aluminum bronze (Ukrainian) into ammonia, closed the lid, after 15 minutes took them out of the solution and put them in water with the expectation of immediately washing them off from the ammonia and drying them, but I got distracted by something else and forgot about them. As a result, I have 2 dark coins that were oxidized by water. I decided to dip them in ammonia again, but this did not help. But the story didn't end there.

I kept 2 more coins in ammonia (yes, I’m so forgetful) - as a result, the ammonia turned dark blue, and the coins became very dark (also with a blue tint), and cannot be washed off with water.

I used 10% ammonia from the pharmacy. I covered it with a lid so that it wouldn’t all disappear.

As I understand the essence of the reactions: ammonia reduces aluminum and copper oxides to pure metals that are not protected by an oxide film, thanks to which they quickly reacted with water, but why did the coins turn black? As I understand it, aluminum oxide and hydroxide are light-colored, and copper should not react with water at all.

In fact, I dipped the coins in water first before drying, since they quickly turn black in air if there are drops of ammonia solution on them. But the blackness, intelligent in the air, is easily restored again with ammonia, but the blackness, intelligent in the water mass, is not restored.

What is the difference?

How does ammonia react with aluminum or copper so that the solution turns blue, and an indelible dark blue coating remains on the coins themselves? Is this really where the amphoteric nature of aluminum emerges?

Why take baking soda for cleaning? Is it needed only as an abrasive material or are its alkaline properties necessary?

All this happened yesterday, at this time the coins did not change their color themselves. Thanks to this, the question is: how to reconstruct the gilded color of coins? However, you don’t need to answer me: don’t worry, give it a try, it’s not worth it. I know for sure: it's worth it.

Modified on August 20, 2012 by PROfesor client

Here are the recipes I found:

Source: http://versace-promo.ru/babushkiny-sovety/chistka-monet-iz-aljuminievoj-bronzy-rekomendacii/

How to clean bronze at home quickly and effectively: the best ways

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The question of how to clean bronze at home quickly and effectively has not lost its relevance for many decades. Bronze products look stylish and are ideal for interiors in a classic or vintage style. However, under the influence of external factors, bronze darkens, becomes covered with a green coating and loses its presentable appearance. You can correct the situation yourself using acids, household chemicals and folk remedies.

Bronze is distinguished by its dark golden color and glossy shine, but negative external factors lead to darkening of the metal and the appearance of patina. Affordable home remedies or household chemicals will help restore beauty and radiance.

The article presents the most effective and affordable cleaning methods that will return purity and shine to bronze products.

Reasons for the appearance of plaque on bronze products

Bronze is an alloy of four metals (tin, copper, lead, zinc), which, under the influence of external factors, are destroyed, tarnished and darkened. The main enemy of the material is high humidity or water, which leads to oxidation and the appearance of a green coating. Patina gradually destroys the metal, leaving dents and unsightly marks on the surface.

Scratches and chips that occur as a result of improper care, use or storage increase the risk of damage to the product. the reason for the appearance of greenery is frequent contact of a bronze object with water or its constant presence in places with high humidity

General recommendations for care and cleaning

In order to preserve the original appearance of an item made of bronze or brass, follow the rules of operation, storage and care:

1. Avoid prolonged contact of metal with moisture. Dry the item thoroughly after cleaning or let it dry naturally.
2. Rub the surface with a soft cloth to restore the glossy shine and shimmer.
3. To remove tarnish, dip the item in a solution of table salt and then rub with a slice of lemon.
4. Toothpaste will help you quickly and effectively clean bronze objects. Squeeze a little product onto a soft cloth and treat the entire surface. Then rinse with running water and wipe dry.
5. To prevent contamination, rub the surface with paraffin or wax. Such substances leave a film that protects the metal from environmental influences.
6. Store small items (coins, earrings, rings and other jewelry) in velor bags separately from other items. Place a bag of silica gel nearby to absorb excess moisture.
7. Carry out preventive cleaning using available products, and also regularly rub the surface with a piece of suede or flannel.

To protect bronze coins and jewelry from plaque, dirt, and damage, store them separately from other items and away from sources of moisture.

Methods for cleaning bronze

You can deal with plaque on bronze at home. For cleaning you will need the following substances and tools:

• rubber gloves to protect the skin of the hands;
• soft napkins;
• flannel or suede rags;
• containers of suitable sizes;
• the chosen cleaning agent (chicory, vinegar, table salt, ammonia, soda, etc. - you can use one substance or a combination of several).

Chicory

Chicory will help get rid of minor stains.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Mix chicory powder with water to obtain a homogeneous paste.
2. Apply the mixture to a bronze item or brass coin. Wipe the surface with a soft brush.
3. Rinse the item with water and wipe dry.
4. Polish the surface to a shine with a piece of suede.

Chicory powder will help to quickly and effectively clean bronze from various types of contaminants.

Vinegar, flour and salt

The means at hand that every housewife has in her kitchen - vinegar, table salt, flour - will help remove plaque.

Cleaning procedure:

1. Rinse the bronze product with running water.
2. Mix flour and table salt in equal proportions.
3. Add a little vinegar, stir until smooth.
4. Apply the mixture to the product and leave for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse off the cleaner, dry and buff with a soft cloth.

Lemon juice and soda

The natural acid contained in lemon will help clean bronze items.

Cleaning technology:

1. Rinse the surface with running water, removing dust and other visible contaminants.
2. Pour 2 tbsp into a container. l. soda, add lemon juice, mix well.
3. Apply the resulting mixture to the surface and rub in a circular motion. Use a soft cloth or brush to get into the tightest corners.
4. After 20 minutes, rinse the item with running water.
5. Wipe the item dry and polish with a piece of soft suede.

Baking soda in combination with lemon juice will help deal with dust, rust, blackness or oxide on bronze.

Peas

You can remove a thick layer of dust, traces of insect activity and other contaminants using peas.

Cleaning procedure:

1. Place peas in a large container.
2. Place the bronze object with the beans.
3. Fill the peas with water and place the container on the fire.
4. Boil the product together with legumes for 1.5-2 hours.
5. After the allotted time, transfer the item to a bowl of warm water, wash well, and then dry.

Acids, solvents and other chemicals will help remove green deposits and other contaminants from bronze items. When working with such drugs, observe safety precautions and strictly follow the instructions.

Ammonia

This method is suitable for cleaning small items - coins, jewelry, cutlery and other small items. When using ammonia, use a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area, or better yet, outside.

Cleaning technology:

1. Pour ammonia into a small container.
2. Place the bronze item in the liquid until it is completely covered.
3. Leave for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the item with tweezers and rinse with running water.
5. Dry the product naturally and then polish it until shiny with a rag.

Before cleaning with acids or other aggressive agents, thoroughly and carefully clean the product from dust and other contaminants. This will ensure better penetration of the active substances into the metal.

Oxalic acid

Oxalic acid will help remove complex stains that could not be removed by other means and methods.

To carry out cleaning, there is the following algorithm of actions:

1. Pour 20 liters of water into a large container, add 200 ml of oxalic acid.
2. Mix the ingredients until a homogeneous solution is obtained.
3. Completely dip the bronze or brass piece into the liquid. This method is suitable for cleaning large items, such as chandeliers, dishes, figurines.
4. After the metal has darkened, remove it from the solution and rinse well with running water.
5. Wipe the item dry and rub with a soft cloth.

Acetone

Local treatment with acetone will help remove small stains on a large object.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Soak a cotton pad in acetone.
2. Treat contaminated areas. Periodically soak the swab in solvent to keep it moist at all times.
3. Clean the product until all dirt is removed.
4. Rinse the item with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Acetone will help to gently but effectively clean any bronze objects.

You can clean bronze from patina, rust and other contaminants yourself at home. Use available home remedies, household chemicals or aggressive substances for cleaning. At the same time, be careful and attentive so as not to damage the glossy surface or leave marks or streaks.

To learn more about the cleaning procedure, watch the following videos:

About the author: Marina Nabilskaya

Young mother, wife and part-time freelancer. Being a lawyer by training, I am accustomed to collecting and providing the most complete and reliable information. Constantly improves in the professional field and strives for personal growth and development.

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Do you know that:

Threads made of gold and silver, which were used to embroider clothes in the old days, are called gimp. To obtain them, the metal wire was pulled for a long time with pliers to the required fineness. This is where the expression “to drag out the rigmarole” came from - “to do long, monotonous work” or “to delay the completion of a task.”

The easiest way to remove scale and carbon deposits from the soleplate of the iron is with table salt. Pour a thick layer of salt onto the paper, heat the iron to maximum and run the iron over the salt bed several times, applying light pressure.

If your favorite things show the first signs of gestation in the form of untidy pellets, you can get rid of them using a special machine - a shaver. It quickly and effectively shaves off clumps of fabric fibers and returns things to their proper appearance.

Fresh lemon is not only suitable for tea: clean dirt from the surface of an acrylic bath by rubbing with half a cut citrus, or quickly wash the microwave by placing a container of water and lemon slices in it for 8-10 minutes at maximum power. The softened dirt can simply be wiped off with a sponge.

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Stretch ceilings made of PVC film can withstand from 70 to 120 liters of water per 1 m2 of their area (depending on the size of the ceiling, the degree of its tension and the quality of the film). So you don’t have to worry about leaks from neighbors above.

Source: https://hozpedia.ru/kak-pochistit-bronzu-v-domashnih-uslovijah-bystro-i-jeffektivno.html