Can I mix all sorts of coins together in olive oil? and...

[jbow]

and will the olive oil help do more than just remove dirt? I realize that if the date is worn off that cleaning it will not make the date come back however... what more can I do to improve a coin's appearance, as far as being able to read the lettering etc, other that just cleaning the dirt off it by soaking it.

I'm not sure what electrolysis does that a long olive oil soak does not do. Do they do different things?

Thanks,
Julien

[JakePhelps]

Electrolysis will get under and loosen up corrosion and such. Olive oil kinda does the same thing but alot slower. Im not sure if youd want to put silver in with copper, silver could get stained by copper. Actaully there is something called "coin care" and blue ribbon coin conditioner" that both work reallly good on bringing out details and dates on dug up coins. Just clean it first then apply and it will almost make the corrosion clear so you can see behind it.

[Diggincoinz]

This is probably crazy but what the hell... why not use the olive oil in the electrolysis? It's only a thought, never thougth it before now either. But I can't say either way, really haven't done much of either one.
I agree with JakePhelps, I definately would not mix any silver with copper.

[JakePhelps]

you might be on to something

[Diggincoinz]

If anyone should try it, let us know how it works! 8)

[Born2Dtect]

I would warn against using olive oil as the medium for electrolysis. It is flamable and you are putting electricity into it, A real no no. It won't work any way as the water and additives play a part in the electrolysis.




Ed

[JakePhelps]

Its flammable never knew that :P

[Diggincoinz]

Wow! Me either, didn't know that. Thanks Ed, you're a life saver! Glad we got some smarty's around here for us dummy's!

[Born2Dtect]

Not a real smarty. Electronics is my game. I also cook. Olive oil has a lower burning point than say vegatble cooking oil. Anyone who cooks a lot will tell a tail or two about an accidental fire or two. Your best bet is to use water with a catalyst or two as suggested by others. Check the other post for what they add to the water. Keep safe.

Ed

[1liquigirl]

Just to help spare your time, I have read many posts on this today these are the electrolytes that others have suggested to add to the distilled water for doing electrolysis:
salt (not iodised)
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) This may be best over the salt, if just trying to use items around the house
soda ash (sodium carbonate) You can get this fairly cheep at a pool supply store, suggested Aqua Clear brand (but brand does not matter) with pH increaser and the ingredients is what is important, look at the ingredients and look for: ingredients: Sodium Carbonate......................100%
Hope this helps.

[Jeffro]

I swear by using olive oil for loosening dirt and crud.... as it doesn't harm the patina or affect the metal in any way. Whats the deal with olive oil? Anything we should know about?

[jersey junkie]

hello conservator,

Olive oil + copper = poison?

I cook with copper pots and pans and only use extra virgin olive oil.

I'm still alive last time I checked.

mark
www.gas50.com

[hollowpointred]

so what would be the best step by step process for cleaning old copper coins (say colonial coppers)?

[jersey junkie]

isn't copper copper Maybe there is something other than copper that will mix with the olive oil.

mark
www.gas50.com

[Dave N Japan]

I have found that it cleans but also leaves the bronze coins here a little rough..not smooth.. I have stoped using it unless I have a heavy corrosion problem and may use it to get things started. I just use soft brush and water and soap... but these are just crude cast bronze coins.