Electrolysis.... Whats the best solution?

[bdhoward]

Recently I have found a few coins that were so encrusted that the only hope I had to get any type of ID of my find was to expose the coins to electrolysis. I genarally use good old salt water for my bath solution. Has anybody had better success with any other types of solutions? i/e baking soda and water, cleaning soda and water, different types of acids or chemicals.... I find the electrolysis method to be a good tool in my arsenal to use from time to time, but I only use it as a last resort. Thanks in advance for your input. Bryan H.

 

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[Kentucky Kache]

In my limited experience, salt is much better than baking soda, at least for short term cleaning. Some say put a little lemon juice in the mix.
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[Sandman]

The best solution depends on the metal of the coins.

 

[bdhoward]

The best solution depends on the metal of the coins.

So if its copper whats best? Silver? gold? Iron?

 

[boogeyman]

Citric acid. You can buy it from stores that supply home brewers. You can get it from 1 lb up to 50 lb it's inexpensive. Safe no fumes, don't have to worry about kids or pets getting into it. Works great for most items as long as you separate your items DON'T MIX METALS.

I use it in electrolysis baths for coins & my big tank for restoring power tools like antique lathes, drill presses etc.

 

[chukers]

I used a cup of water 2 table spoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt... then mix.

there are other solutions but this one for me is easily obtainable.

Chukers

 

[boogeyman]

Lemon juice is dilute citric. Takes longer which means more tumbler time. I'm not an expert or anything, but don't like adding salt to any of my cleaning concotions. Salt is really hard to get out if you're cleaning objects for a collection or to restore. For clads going to the bank or coin star I just use a little dawn about a half teaspoon of bon ami & water in the aquarium gravel.

If you use this concotion don't reuse the gravel for other cleanings no matter how well you rinse it out. Sad to say been there done that mistake.

 

[Marchas45]

I use water salt and vinegar when I use electrolysis then use a water wash then baking soda afterwards to neutralize.