Opinions on MS-70 and other "cleaners"

spoon

I know the standard use of acetone or xylol for removing PVC. And olive oil for verdigris. But what about general grime and haze?

I have a few nice coins that acetone doesn't seem to help. Their problem isn't serious, I still like them, but I wonder if any of these commercial coin cleaners like MS-70 can brighten them up? I'm not looking to commit numismatic heresy or engage in dubious profiteering, but if external factors can be removed from some of my favorite coins without damaging them, then I'd want to do that.

So, how many of you guys have tried MS-70, Koinsolv or any of the other "cleaners" out there? What did you try it on (silver, copper, etc)? How'd it come out? Would you recommend it?

Lots of questions, but this is one of those areas I've never yet experimented in. I'm curious. Thanks in advance!

lordmarcovan

I have used EZ-est for dipping coins with unsightly, too-black toning, with mixed results.

It really depends on how set-in the toning, patina, or "skin" is. The more set it is, the harder it is to remove without leaving the coin with an unsightly, dull, "overdipped" look.

That being said, sometimes an obviously-cleaned coin is better looking than a hideously-splotchy, coal-black, or otherwise unsightly-toned piece is.

And sometimes I have had good results using such commercial dips (sometimes diluted with pure water) to remove milk spots and haze from proof coins, without dulling their mirrors or cameo contrast any. But I imagine that's a risky game. Any coin cleaning is.

Usually I have had better luck with silver or gold than with copper or nickel.

As to regular surface grime, you're better off removing that with olive oil, mineral oil, Vaseline, etc, on copper or nickel, and acetone for silver, perhaps, but you might wish to try one of the commercial products for removing haze.

I usually dip a Q-tip in the EZ-est or whatever dip solution first, then apply it to the affected area of the coin, before I do a quick dip-n'-rinse of the rest of the coin.

Be sure to rinse in distilled or purified water. Here, our groundwater is permeated with sulfur, to the point where it is actually quite foul smelling when it comes out of the well. We only use it for laundry and bathing, and then only after it's been aerated. I wonder what it would do to a freshly-dipped coin. Probably darken it considerably. Hm.

After rinsing, lay the coin to dry on a paper towel, then flip it so the other side lays on a dry part of the paper towel. Do not pat or rub the coin dry if you can help it.

harasha

I do not believe that Koinsolv will act any different than acetone.

theboz11

MS- 70 should be used very carefully with copper. It will turn it orange quickly, but it does work well at conservation, if done properly. Only use it if acetone and a Thorn can't break the green and waxy residue.

7Jaguars

And the residua can be cleaned with gentle soap and water unless you have the above heavily sulfurred water, in which case you can use distilled.

I use soap and water with no abrasive toweling on many coins that appear to have be dirty which is common sense. Acetone from Home Depot now is up to about 3 or 4 dollars but is surpisingly good quality, this for about a quart. Rubbing alcohol (but NOT rubbed on) is a slightly different solvent from acetone as well.

The dips like MS70 have an oily residue that must be slightly acidic so in my opinion should themselves be stripped off with the mentioned mild soap and water....

TwoKopeiki

What does MS-70 do to silver? Is it just a very weak acid solution?

theboz11

I have also used "SHOUT" laundry dirt remover soak for organic residue with great success. Followed by soap and water

MS-70 works well on silver IMHO. Do not use it full strength on White medal, It will remove the black corrosion all the way to the base medal if let to soak. leaving the pock marked surface that remains.

shirohniichan

<< <i>What does MS-70 do to silver? Is it just a very weak acid solution? >>



It is a surfactant that removes grime only.

I've had success in dabbing MS70 on silver coins, allowing it to set for a few minutes, then "rolling off" the grime with a Q-Tip soaked in MS70. One time I used it to remove haze acetone didn't do anything on, but the coin came out shinier than I'd have liked.

spoon

Thanks for all the replies guys!

Hmm... I might have to get a bottle to experiment on some cheapos. I seem to remember a thread about cleaners once upon a time and someone was talking about how the stuff they used was perfect for haze on proofs. I thought it was MS-70, but I can't find that thread. Anyhow, if it's good on haze, I figure it should be good on the haze and grime I want to take care of.

<< <i>I do not believe that Koinsolv will act any different than acetone. >>

That's the impression I got from the description of it at JPs Corner.

I dunno... I still feel kinda squeamish trying anything stronger than xylol/acetone.