How to Clean Buttons

[Born2Dtect]

A lot of museums and others use "Renaissance Wax" to seal coins, leather and any other cleaned metal. I think buttons would qualify. I bought a small jar, thought it cost a bit too much, but I have had it 3 years and have not used 1/4 of it. Goes a long way rub on, buff off.

Ed D.

 

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[Hill Billy]

Here's one. Romeo taught me everything I know.

And remember, cleaning relics hurts the value!

Patch, that one sure cleaned up nicely. I would never have thought there would be that much detail under that crud.

 

[Iron Patch]

Here's one. Romeo taught me everything I know.

And remember, cleaning relics hurts the value!

Patch, that one sure cleaned up nicely. I would never have thought there would be that much detail under that crud.

I knew from past buttons it had a decent chance, but was obviously very pleased once I realized how well it was going.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Here's one. Romeo taught me everything I know.

And remember, cleaning relics hurts the value!

Patch, that one sure cleaned up nicely. I would never have thought there would be that much detail under that crud.

Lemon juice?


I knew from past buttons it had a decent chance, but was obviously very pleased once I realized how well it was going.

 

[Iron Patch]

Here's one. Romeo taught me everything I know.

And remember, cleaning relics hurts the value!

Patch, that one sure cleaned up nicely. I would never have thought there would be that much detail under that crud.

Lemon juice?


I knew from past buttons it had a decent chance, but was obviously very pleased once I realized how well it was going.

Ancient Chinese button cleaning secret. (Lemoning dynasty)

 

[70monte68]

Great tips on cleaning

 

[shanegalang]

Great advice, I was able to take it all in better from this post than you telling me in person I will work on it a bit more tonight but so far I see no markings. Talk at you later, Shane

 

[hdmech71]

This thread is priceless. Thank you for such great info. I am thankful to be on this site with such pros. May the force be under your coils.

 

[metaldetectingtaylor]

Buckleboy,

I actually found the button in your third picture from the top yesterday. The one that reads "Superior to Gold P____". I was wondering if you knew what the last word says and roughly how old this button is. Also, do you have pics of the front of yours? Mine is completely worn. I got lucky and the back of mine still has the gold gilt on it. Thanks!

MDT

 

[BuckleBoy]

Buckleboy,

I actually found the button in your third picture from the top yesterday. The one that reads "Superior to Gold P____". I was wondering if you knew what the last word says and roughly how old this button is. Also, do you have pics of the front of yours? Mine is completely worn. I got lucky and the back of mine still has the gold gilt on it. Thanks!

MDT

The last word is for sure "PLATE." I would love to see a photo of yours after cleaning. It is for certain a candidate for Aluminum Jelly if you can see a lot of gold on it. The front of these buttons is blank. that is the way they were made. 1820s-1850s. I would think that the one in question probably dates towards the first half of that date range. Post a photo up if you get a chance to aluminum jelly it. I'd love to see it.

Cheers,

Buckles

 

[gmanlight]

Thanks BB

Finally got some naval jelly to clean a Marine Button i found this spring .
Said to date 1840 - 1860 It came out pretty nice . Thanks again Mike

 

[BuckleBoy]

Finally got some naval jelly to clean a Marine Button i found this spring .
Said to date 1840 - 1860 It came out pretty nice . Thanks again Mike

That is one KILLER button. Seriously beautiful find, and some great cleaning on that. Glad the naval jelly worked well for ya.

Cheers,


Buck

 

[jumper]

If you want to clean a Button just dip it in a cereal bowl with enough Ammonia in it to cover the item. Depending on what type of soil it was found in, anywhere from 5 min. to several hours soaking will do it. It won't hurt the button. Any time you take a tooth brush to a button with gilt on it you loose some. For any one that does not believe this is by far the best way to clean Buttons and all Gold Jewelry just try it
first on a junk piece of brass that has gilt.

 

[BuckleBoy]

If you want to clean a Button just dip it in a cereal bowl with enough Ammonia in it to cover the item. Depending on what type of soil it was found in, anywhere from 5 min. to several hours soaking will do it. It won't hurt the button. Any time you take a tooth brush to a button with gilt on it you loose some. For any one that does not believe this is by far the best way to clean Buttons and all Gold Jewelry just try it
first on a junk piece of brass that has gilt.

Cool! I'll try this on a junk gilded flat button the next time I dig one. Could you post some before/after photos of this method for us?

Cheers,


Buck

 

[Gunrunner61]

Buckle Boy here is the button I was asking you about. View attachment 658922 View attachment 658923 View attachment 658924 View attachment 658925

 

[BuckleBoy]

I don't think there is much you can do to help the back of the button. Those iron/tin backed ones never survive. But, I'd consider toothpicking some of the crusty verdigris off the front of the button.

Cheers,


Buckles

 

[BuckleBoy]

bump.

 

[RelicHunter97]

It says to apply it and swirl the crust away, but with what? A cloth? A paper towel? A q-tip? I would like to know before I try this out myself.
Thanks!
-Anthony

 

[kuger]

Q-tip

 

[RelicHunter97]

Okay thanks!