Blowing dust, etc, off coins...

XpipedreamR

Sometimes I want to blow crud off a coin before putting it in a holder. I obviously don't want to blow on it.

Is it OK to use that compressed air stuff that you use for electronics? The can I have states that it contains 1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane.

mgoodm3

I just use Swiffers

JrGMan2004

I personally would not use canned air... they use chemicals to keep the oxygen cold enough to stay liquid in the can... Notice, when you shake it up or spray it for a long time, the can will become EXTREMELY cold...

JohnZ

1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane.

Mmmmm. Now THAT'S good eatin'.

cladking

<< <i>Sometimes I want to blow crud off a coin before putting it in a holder. I obviously don't want to blow on it.

Is it OK to use that compressed air stuff that you use for electronics? The can I have states that it contains 1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane. >>



It doesn't sound like a good idea. There are likely contaminants which would be soluble in it.

66impalaSS

<< <i>1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane.

Mmmmm. Now THAT'S good eatin'. >>

joeyuk

That chemical is like drycleaning fluid. It can make you sick if the area is not ventilated and I would imagine not good for coins either.

Jamericon

May seem odd, but you could use a hairdryer.

nwcs

I used the computer air blaster once on a JFK and it put a tarnish spot on the surface. Still graded PCGS 66, though. I'd recommend a compressed air system that didn't use any chemical delivery methods.

Barry

<< <i>I personally would not use canned air... they use chemicals to keep the oxygen cold enough to stay liquid in the can... Notice, when you shake it up or spray it for a long time, the can will become EXTREMELY cold... >>


Here's someone who failed chemistry in school.
When a gas expands, it cools. When it is compressed it gets hotter. It's the pressure that liquifies a gas in a can, not any chemicals. This is the way a refrigerator or freezer works. As the freon (or whatever the coolant is) expands, it cools. The motor/pump then recompresses it, creating heat which is dissipated in the coils on the back. It is then allowed to expand again, cooling, and around it goes again.

In any case, the compressed air contains a propellant. In the can on my shelf, it's tetrafluoroethane. I wouldn't spray it on a coin.

Neptune

JrG - you aren't supposed to shake the can at all.

agentjim007

I've used it hundreds of times on coins and never a problem

dorkkarl

canned air is a MUST HAVE. it's the easiest safest tool for curating (not cleaning) coins.

K S

keets

the stuff is safe to use as long as you excercise some common sense. first, follow the instructions which are on the can, they seem to be clear enough. the course of action i use is to absolutely never agitate the can in even the smallest way. simply set it on a flat, level surface and hold the coin 6-8 inches away from it and spray. any problems are a result of the user and not the product.

al h.

MadMonk

Compressed air can have varying degrees of moisture. I wouldnt use it.

keets

Compressed air can have varying degrees of moisture. I wouldnt use it.

........from the can i hold in my hand, Radio Shack brand:

-non flammable
-non ozone depleting
-moisture free gas

Safely cleans computers, cameras, VCR's, CD's, DVD's and other easily scratched surfaces. Great for home or office use. CFC & HCFC free. DOT-E-10232.

the chief reason not to use a blow dryer or compressed air is because of moisture. used in accordance with the instructions on the can, these sprays are safe. hopefully no dis-information gets out there in this thread telling collectors that they contain flourocarbons.

al h.

Myriads

This might seem very very low tech, but how about a stiff index card waved back and forth with some zest near the coin? It's always blown off all the dust, lint, whatever for me.....

Myriads

keets

hey Myriads

i think you answered your own question!!

al h.

1jester

I understand there are super-soft brushes that are safe to use on coins. Ask the EAC guys.

Shamika

"I understand there are super-soft brushes that are safe to use on coins."

Yes there are!

spy88

I use one of those blush brushes from a makeup kit. The bristles are EXTREMELY fine and soft. Will remove any dust with ease and no worry about scratches.

Mikey

<< <i>I use one of those blush brushes from a makeup kit. The bristles are EXTREMELY fine and soft. Will remove any dust with ease and no worry about scratches. >>



And Morgan's cheeks have a nice glow.