bronze disease

[Moe (fl)]

Is there an easy way to get rid of bronze disease on salt water finds? I have heard that electrolysis should do the job but is there a simpler way?

Also, do aluminum alloys get a whitish powdery corrosion when exposed to salt water and how can I remove this corrosion?

Thanks.
Moe

 

[tac512ltd]

Not sure about the bronze issue, but, yes, that does happen to aluminum. The hardware stores sell a 'gel' that removes oxidation and somewhat protects the aluminum. Can't recall the name right now.

 

[U.K. Brian]

Hi Moe

Electrolytic cleaning can start bronze disease which being progressive can totally destroy a coin or item.
Mechanical cleaning back to bare metal or picking out small spots with a metal tool works but every trace of the disease must be removed.
Next degrease the item in acetone or alcohol, dry and soak in a solution of sodium sesquicarbonate to reduce chlorides and again allow to dry. Then treat with BTA (benezotriazole). Soak in a 5-7% solution for another week.
Its a lot of work. Even then when the item is completely dry its best to use a conservation wax or lacquer to finish off.

Brian

 

[Moe (fl)]

Thanks for the replies.

Please post pics of items with bronze disease and aluminum corrosion.

Moe

 

[Moe (fl)]

Brian,

I know a lot of people use reverse electrolysis to clean their beach finds. Isn't more of a rare thing to get bronze disease started by electrolysis?

Moe

 

[divedigger]

I clean the green junk off brass with vinegar,then soak in baking soda

 

[PBK]

This might be of interest:

http://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/anth605/File12.htm