[DISCUSSION] Button cleaning

S

spector551

Established Users
I had posted in another section that I found a button yesterday and was having trouble cleaning it. I decided to move it to this section since that is what it is about. I asked for some pointers on cleaning it since it had some very stubborn patina covering some button detail and on response was to soak it in olive oil for a few days or weeks. I have tried that for some of the buttons I have pulled and it did not work very well. The ground out here really puts a mean patina on the bullets and it is very hard to get off (thank for the response though). I was worried that electrolisis might be too harsh since I am trying to preserve the remaining 20% of guilt. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.



Jamie
 
:grin: I would try a soft soap soak of Prell, Lux or Ivory hand soap. :eek: Choose one & mix in water as hot as you can stand it and use a soft (old tooth brush) and scrub as diligently as one can. :-? I hope this works out or works the crud off the patina. :lol:

Tom Stelma
 
Spector, If it's green (from fertilizer) it most likely want come off. I do use a small brass brush on items I really don't care about (wheat pennies, common US buttons, brass pieces, etc) but this might remove the Patina as well. I'm not telling you to use the brass brush, but it works if used lightly and inspect the item often?????

Try it on an item of NO VALUE FIRST!!!!! Roger
 
Yeah, I have no idea if this button has any value or not. It have a strange pattern of circles on the front with a Waterbury Button Co. backmark. It is a two piece and the front has no pushes. I am gonna post a pic of it a little later, as soon as I work some of the crud off. Yes, Roger, it's green from fertilizer and years of lime. I'm not making any headway on it.... so I'm fixin to give it an electrolisis bath. Keep your fingers crossed.



Jamie
 
Jamie, First off I sent you a private message a few days ago, check it out?

I'd try the small hand brass brush first as I've used the electrloysis on a few things and didn't catch it in time. I've used Lemon juice (pure) on a 186? Indian Head penny and the next morning I couldn't even see the Indian head.....need to dilute the juice some? Not knowing what your button is/or looks like, please use caution! Electrolysis works fast on them small items.....take it out after a few minutes and brush it with a toothbrush. Check it OFTEN!!

Later, Roger
 
PIC

Here is a pic of the button. I do not believe it to be a Soldiers button... but it is period and is a nice button. I wish I could have preserved more of the guilting. The circles have small diamond shaped insets that are still guilted. The center has an inset and there are fine rings coming out from the center. The backmark is Waterbury Button Co.
 

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Roger,

I do not remember you sending me a private message and I just deleted the ones I had in my cubby - don't remember seeing it when I did that either. Would you please resend the message?



Jamie
 
Cleaners to avoid

Draino, vinegar (for long periods), lemon juice ...these will clean the dirt and patina right off.



Chuck
 
Lemon Juice

I have a friend that left a nice CSA button in the juice over night and came back to find nothing left.



Chuck
 
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