Questions about soaking/dipping coins in Acetone.

ss350camaro

When soaking a coin to remove PVC how long does it, on average, take ?

Do you see anything happening while it's soaking ? (particles coming off...etc...)

Should you 'agitate' the solution as it's soaking?

ddbird

I dont think it should soak...I thought it was a quick 3 second dip process...not 100% sure though!

cladking

PVC should come off pretty fast. If it caused any damage that won't come off.

Soak it until you don't see any more changes. Frequently it will be pretty brief.

ss350camaro

<< <i> I dont think it should soak...I thought it was a quick 3 second dip process...not 100% sure though! >>



The 3 second time is for the E*Z*EST Coin Dip. It reacts harshly with the coins surfaces.

Conder101

Acetone works very fast as well. I would agitate the coin during the dipping, and I would do a multi stage dip with at least three baths of acetone (different containers) other wise when you remove the coin some of the contaminant will remain on the coin. By using multiple baths the coin gets cleaner with each succeeding bath. I also tend to finish with a poured rinse of aetone to flush any last traces away.

08HALA20

I was reading the label on an Acetone can and it states it is very flammable. and should be done in open air with ventilation.
Did anyone have any problems using it---from the smell, on your hands etc. What kind of container did you use?

Rookie joe
Joe

I was too nervous to buy it.

nwcs

Getting rid of PVC usually takes a few seconds. I usuall rinse in another fresh bowl just to make sure any surface particles didn't settle on the coin after being rinsed in the first bowl.

nwcs

I use a ceramic bowl to hold the acetone. And in a well ventilated area away from anything that might cause sparks or ignition. Some people have worse reactions with acetone on the fingers since it dissolves whatever is on the skin. Unpleasant feeling. I prefer rubber gloves when using it to avoid the issue.

ElectricEye

Acetone is rough on the hands, wear gloves.

08HALA20

Thanks Tennessee,

Is there any hazards in disposing of it?

In the sink?

What about pets?

Joe

Electric eye I hope you are kidding.

CramptonMotorsports

acetone is relatively safe for short term dermal exposure, it's the base for nail polish remover.

Acetone can be reused, so those of you that use multiple baths, keep the first bath in another can or jar and label it as "used, dirty" whatever, then you can use a second bath of clean fresh acetone.

Disposal, well you can keep it and drop it off at your local household waste disposal center, or if there's just a little in your bowl, if you left it outside, went and did something, came back, most if not all will evaporate rather quickly.

obviously, don't smoke while handling.

cladking

Acetone is extremely inflammable and evaporates very quickly. It will ignite very
readily if there's an ignition source. The fumes are light and tend to rise but will follow
the air currents.

It's not a major health risk but it is a major fire risk.

jcping

NEVER EVER dip your clad coins in Acetone. Just my HONEST advice.

nwcs

I just pour out the acetone outside. Acetone occurs in nature. No real problem. I don't pour it in the sink, though. It won't harm clad coins. Should have no reaction at all.

I wouldn't recommend reusing the acetone for coins. The dissolved stuff will still be in there and can still settle on future coins.

ldhair

Don't save it and use it again.

Conder101's post is best. (thought I was the only one that did a poured rinse)

Dump it on the sidewalk and it's gone in a minute.

08HALA20

As usual--super fast replies and good info.

I have a 1923 WLH with a few scratches on it that I will try it out on.

Rookie Joe

ldhair

Something to keep in mind.

Some coins have garbage on their surface covering small scratches.
Take it off and the coin can really become ugly.

nwcs

<< <i>Something to keep in mind.

Some coins have garbage on their surface covering small scratches.
Take it off and the coin can really become ugly. >>

Very true. And some people will intentionally put dirt or PVC contamination on a coin to hide other problems. The buyer will think they can just remove it and when they do it reveals an even worse coin.

NoGvmnt

Concerning what type of container to use, I use a shot glass. I place the coin in the glass so that it lays horizontal and pour the acetone over it until it trickles under the coin and then fills the shot glass about 3/4 full. I then flip the coin a couple times with a Q-tip. That usually does the trick.

Jim