How Do I Clean An Aluminum Token?

[Michigan Badger]

I have this large Aluminum token I'd like to clean and make bright and shiny.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

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[weldermark]

have you ever used dmso? (dimethyl sulfoxide) it should clean it without any damage.


HH Mark

 

[weldermark]

Zeb there is also another product that cleans aluminum real well and it's called orange blast
there's different types, get the one for wheels also it's way cheaper than dmso.


HH Mark

 

[Michigan Badger]

Thanks, Mark.

Is this sold in auto supply stores?

 

[weldermark]

the orange blast is, i bought a bottle at big lots discount store for less than 3 bucks,it's also
sold in auto parts stores, i sprayed the wheels on my truck with it and when i rinsed it off they looked better than new,good luck!


HH Mark

 

[JakePhelps]

you should be able to get Noxon7 metal polish at a stop&shop or soemthing, it works great on alot of metals including brass, copper, aluminum, bronze, etc...

 

[civilman1]

Orange blast huh?thanks,sold.

 

[Monty]

I'll tell you what not to use! Electrolysis! I dissolved an aluminum token overnight by trying that! Monty

 

[Michigan Badger]

Electrolysis was once used extensively for the cleaning of ancient bronze coins but has been abandoned now by most conservators. It's vary harsh and can do a great deal of damage to any coin.

I have in my collection of photos, pictures of what electrolysis can do to shipwreck artifacts. One picture shows what is left of a Silver Rider coin from the Flying Heart after an electrolysis treatment (ashes). The Mel Fisher group used it in the 80's but now I'm sure they know better.

I know about cleaning bronze and silver (love silver) but aluminum is a whole new field for me.

I'm guessing that soap and water plus maybe some very mild rubbing compound is the answer.

 

[onemississipp]

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,64680.0.html

this is how I cleaned my token..

in about an hour

 

[BuckleBoy]

I was able to scrape a lot of oxidation off of an old aluminum token with a wooden toothpick.