Dug
Bronze Member
- Feb 18, 2013
- 1,138
- 1,263
- Detector(s) used
- XP Deus/Sovereign GT.
- Primary Interest:
- Relic Hunting
I decided to go one step further with the decorative flat button I dug the other day and went at it with some aluminum jelly. I suspected there might be some gilt in the engravings and there was. Figured I better stop at the end result since the jelly will eat good patina too. Thoroughly washed the button, patted it dry on tissue. Gently heated the flat button up then rubbed it on a small brick of Crystalline wax. After the button was soppy with hot wax, gently buffed off the excess with a soft microfiber cloth. Shown is the before and after.
Also shown is a plain pewter button that I dug from the same site. The pewter was crumbling due to a losing battle with time and Pine tree soil. I carefully dusted it dry with a soft loose bristle brush. Then I dropped it into a smaller container of glue solution (70% Elmers white glue and 30% water). I let it soak 48 hours then removed it from the glue solution. I gentle patted off the excess glue with a tissue and let air dry on a piece of plastic. I have found it much easier to find any designs on pewter buttons with this method as well.
Also shown is a plain pewter button that I dug from the same site. The pewter was crumbling due to a losing battle with time and Pine tree soil. I carefully dusted it dry with a soft loose bristle brush. Then I dropped it into a smaller container of glue solution (70% Elmers white glue and 30% water). I let it soak 48 hours then removed it from the glue solution. I gentle patted off the excess glue with a tissue and let air dry on a piece of plastic. I have found it much easier to find any designs on pewter buttons with this method as well.
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