Can PVC seep trough Mylar (if you ever asked yourself that question here is AI's answer)

Early_Milled_Latin_America

AS a person with OCD I tend to ask myself these type of questions (overthinking at its best....lolll).

AI answer:

No, PVC does not typically seep through Mylar. Mylar, a brand name for PET (polyethylene terephthalate), is a stable and safe material for long-term storage and contact with items like coins. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), on the other hand, can be harmful to certain items like coins if they come into prolonged contact with it.
Here's a more detailed explanation:

Mylar:

Mylar is a type of plastic known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It's often used in packaging and protective applications, including coin storage.

PVC:

PVC is another type of plastic, but it can contain additives like plasticizers that can leach out over time, potentially damaging items in contact with it.

Coin Storage:

When it comes to coin collecting, it's crucial to avoid PVC flips, pockets, or wallets because the chemicals in PVC can react with the coin's metal, causing damage or discoloration. Mylar flips, however, are considered safe for long-term storage of coins because Mylar does not leach chemicals.

Seepage:

Mylar's low permeability and resistance to moisture and chemicals make it effective at preventing substances from passing through it, including any potential leaching from PVC.

In summary, while PVC is known to potentially leach chemicals, Mylar is a safe and stable material that is not susceptible to this issue and is commonly used as a protective barrier.

Early_Milled_Latin_America

For people like me that worry when I forget to wash my hands and handle my coins that are in Mylar's.

Happy to know there is no issue even if I touched PVC (the kind with plasticizers). I try always to remember to wash my hands but sometimes forget. But it does happen once in a while.

WinLoseWin

Don't like giving you something to worry about but here is something to be aware of regarding this.

I have some groups of inexpensive raw items that were a mixture of mostly cardboard mylar 2x2's and a few PVC 2x2 flips that were stored together for years in vertical stacks. These were out in the open and not enclosed in a box. Somewhat recently noticed that some, though not nearly all, began showing a haziness on or in the mylar window of the cardboard 2x2's. Sometimes only on one side but it varied. Thought it might be a bad batch of mylar cardboard 2x2 holders except they were from various batches.

While mylar may not be affected by PVC, the holders are not air tight even though stapled. So PVC off-gassing appears to still get in on some. Items in non-PVC plastic flips seemed less likely to be affected in the same pile.

Some have needed or still need an acetone dip and repackaged. Just not a high priority right now though did do a number of them. Those that had hazy windows did not always seem to have affected the coin inside judging from acetone residue on a Q tip while some other coins were obviously affected and hazy when removed from the mylar. Acetone did take care of it.

Seems not to have been as noticeable of a problem on coins stored upright in a 2x2 box versus a vertical stack. It appears very hit and miss with some closer to a PVC flip not affected at all.

Bottom line is get rid of PVC flips even if they don't appear to be affecting the coin inside because it may affect others.

The_Dinosaur_Man

In my experience, long term storage with those factors will have a negative affect on the coin in mylar. You will eventually see PVC forming on the edge most exposed to air.

Early_Milled_Latin_America

I use Saflips made of Mylar only. No more cardboard 2 by 2's just replaced them all not long ago.

Mr_Spud

I like to seal my Mylar saflips with an impulse sealer, to block airborne gasses and moisture.

Early_Milled_Latin_America

@Mr_Spud said:
I like to seal my Mylar saflips with an impulse sealer, to block airborne gasses and moisture.

Going to buy one thanks. Are they easy to use on Saflips?

Early_Milled_Latin_America

I check my coins over for PVC every 6 months or so. If ever there is any I can get the fast enough before they are damaged.

All my coins have had acetone baths (before going into Mylar's) minus the few coins I have that are graded. I do it out of precaution.

ElmerFusterpuck

I had some 2x2's the were stored in those vinyl pages that were sold back in the 1970's. Over time, some of the coins did get that green film on them. Fortunately none of them were valuable.

Early_Milled_Latin_America

@ElmerFusterpuck said:
I had some 2x2's the were stored in those vinyl pages that were sold back in the 1970's. Over time, some of the coins did get that green film on them. Fortunately none of them were valuable.

I do not store any coins in vinyl or PVC. Every holder I own are Mylar and I store them in PCGS or NGC hard plastic (they are acrylic....non PVC) storage boxes.