WD-40 on copper

Snapdragon

I have some old wheaties that I collected when I was a child that are heavily covered with verdigris and I decided to soak one in WD-40 to see what would happen. The results after about a week are pretty impressive. On one, about half the verdigris on one side has dissolved and the other side is almost completely clean. (The coins are nothing valuable). I also put a couple of wheaties with no verdigris in the dish as control. The control coins seem to be looking better as well, although carbon spots show no improvment. I know the formula for WD-40 is a secret so no one can predict what the effect would be. So the question is.............

Has anyone done a series of tests to determine how wd-40 effects copper coins and, if so, what are the results? Is this an improper cleaning method? If so, why? What cleaning methods for copper are acceptible?

Thanx for your responses
Stephen

tightbudget

All I can say is that this is the first time I've ever heard of anyone using WD-40 on a coin...

yellowjacket

WD-40 smells of petroleum base. But I don't know.

Better living through chemistry!

Garrow

BAJJERFAN

The squeaky coin gets the most grease.

perfectstrike

As a hand cleaner, WD-40 will remove most oils and grime from hands after working on cars. Not suprising that verdigris on the coins disappeared. It certainly would work faster than olive oil.

David

cullenbryant

good information. thanks for posting.

AUandAG

Keep us informed for sure....now, how do you remove the WD40? That is without leaving an oily residue?
good luck,
bob

pharmer

how wd-40 got it's name

beep

That site suggests wd-40 serves as a good lubricate and that's a big no it doesn't in the long term. Try using wd on your mountain bike and say hello to a squeky chain once it hits some water.
It wash's off pretty quick and is a great cleaner; use grease or oil to lubricate after that.

Does this apply to coins as well as bikes?

Brian

remumc

WD-40 is not good for clocks or any other precision machinery. It hardens and turns to varnish, gumming up the work so to speak.

Snapdragon

Actually, I hadn't thought about how to get it off afterward. I will try allowing the coins to dry on some tissue paper and then give them an acetone bath. We'll see what happens

Stephen

lordmarcovan

I have long been a Vaseline user for copper and bronze coins; I suppose this is not that much different.

I'll bet it works really well.

I certainly like Vaseline better than olive oil, and WD-40 would also be preferable.

I can't imagine it doing any real harm, surely.

Steve27

"...about half the verdigris on one side has dissolved..."

I don't think it dissolved as much as it washed off (i.e. water would have had the same effect), and once you dry the coins you will see most of the real verdigris reappear.

BAJJERFAN

Acetone should be effective in removing WD40 residues.

jmski52

Keep us informed for sure....now, how do you remove the WD40? That is without leaving an oily residue?

Bajjerfan is 100% correct. I would use successive rinsings in acetone in order to totally degrease the coin and to remove any residues of WD-40.

Since WD-40 has probably not been tested on copper for corrosiveness, I'd be a little cautious. When you are doing this, cast a critical eye on the copper surface itself, and observe it for any changes in color.

An immersion test over a longer period would be a good start in evaluating the effects of WD-40 on a copper surface.

WaterSport

I can just see it now, a new BB definetion...no Grade - WD-40

WS

mozeppa

works good on arthritic hands and knees too...but you smell funny.

tmot99

<< <i>works good on arthritic hands and knees too...but you smell funny. >>



Who are you, the Tin Man?

GaCoinGuy

WD 40 is bad news for ya if it gets in yer bloodstream..........there was a lady here in Rome was using it on her arthritis....she died from poisoning caused by WD40

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>I can just see it now, a new BB definetion...no Grade - WD-40 >>



There is also a product called JB-80 which is "twice as good".

66RB

<< <i>

<< <i>I can just see it now, a new BB definetion...no Grade - WD-40 >>



There is also a product called JB-80 which is "twice as good". >>



really heading OT here but, isn't that like "7 minute Abs!" instead of 8 minutes??

BAJJERFAN

Just thought I'd mention that before someone else did. Many here have also said in the past that they use WD-40 to get the label glue off of their slabs. Yuck, I don't like the smell of WD-40.

Scavenger

WD-40, Diesel fuel in a spray can.

mozeppa

<< <i>WD-40, Diesel fuel in a spray can. >>



actually its fish oil.

morgansforever

WD-40 works great for cleaning engine grease, don't now about copper coins.

I sometimes use it on toast, if I'm outa butta.