Does anyone use pressurized air to blow off coins before submission for grading?

bumanchu

Just wondering if anyone uses the "pressurized" air dusters to remove dust/small debris from their coins prior to submission.

If so, what brand, and what is your assessment of its effectiveness?

boz

No, due to possible moisture in the spray.

hookedoncoins

This was asked a week or so ago. Apparently these sprays contain chemicals that can damage coins.

clackamas

If its silver and you just need to clean of some surface debris you can use acetone. It evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue.

mnmcoin

I used to as from what I hear PCGS used to as well, but I heard they changed this process for the same reason I did; many of the coins I sprayed would get the measels (scattered milky white spots) after in the holder. You have to be very careful if you plan to try it at all, but I do not reccomend them. If you spray the coin with the air spray when the can is not level, moisture will come out...even if you level the can before you spray you have to clear the moisture out first if the can was not level at all before.

Bottom line is, I ruined many coins before and now that I don't use the spray any more, I have not seen one coin like what I used to see.

morris <><

Robgetty

Hmmm. I had never even considered it before; interesting concept
if you had a dried air source.

GTOster

The air you use had better have a dryer on it you can get moisture and sometimes oil from the compressor will pass by a filter or a dryer if they are not kept clean
As for canned air I just would not use them either
Paul

nwcs

I don't.

dorkkarl

i always use canned air prior to holdering a coin. it's the safest form of curating there is!

K S

agentjim007

Use common sense, don't use it if you've shaken it up and spray comes out. Take a shot first. I've used it plenty and never a problem.

MacCrimmon

Use a jeweler's brush like the EAC collectors employ.

keets

If you spray the coin with the air spray when the can is not level, moisture will come out...even if you level the can before you spray you have to clear the moisture out first if the can was not level at all before.

ditto what 007 said. a little common sense goes a long way. first and foremost, just follow the manufacturers instructions and never shake the can and keep it level. DUH!!! how could you blame the product if you use it improperly??

i use them often. they're kept stored upright and moved very gingerly before use and allowed to sit for a short period. i always leave the can sitting on a flat surface when i spray and always clear the nozzle prior to use. they are relatively inexpensive, so i don't try to squeeze every last drop out of each can. when one gets 2/3 empty i discard it and use a full can. always hold the coin the recommended 6-8 inches away from the nozzle tip.

directions are provided on each can and are sensible and easy to follow. i have never, i repeat never had a problem with the product. just excercise some common sense.

al h.

coinchallenged

I had heard that PCGS uses ARGON to clear dust and debris. Super dry gas used in thermo pane windows.

bumanchu

Thanks for all the info!!