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Acetone and coins and wood ?
1630Boston
Posts: 14,156 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just asking my resident chemical expert,
@ricko
Can I dip metal connected to wood in acetone ?
Any advice is appreciated 
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You can dip it if you like, just don't have a source of ignition anywhere near you! Seriously, I would suspect that the acetone might dry out the wood and this may crack it. Also, any varnish or lacquer on the wood may partially dissolve, as well. Tread carefully.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks for your experienced info
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
BTW, The varnish lacquer info is applicable
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
If it's glued to the wood or connected to it by shellac, the coin will be fine. However, for the wood, the shellac would have to be matched and I wouldn't be surprised if some matching varnish was needed.
TomB is correct.... the acetone will tend to dry the wood, removing organics... and possibly have long term deleterious effects. If there is varnish or preservatives on the wood, it will also cause deterioration and possibly dissolve it... thereby potentially leaving unwanted residues on the coin. Not sure why you have a coin/wood combination, however, if the coin can be removed safely, then I would recommend doing that first. Cheers, RickO
@CoinsAndMoreCoins said: "What does 'metal connected to wood' mean exactly? Like using wooden tongs?"
"Coins" has made an important point! I hate to admit I'm feeling stupid; but I'm really confused too.
What kind of wood are the tongs made of?
If you post exactly what you have (image would help), we can tell you how you might tackle the problem. For example, there are ways to conserve coins encased in wood so the wood is little affected.
I imagine it might simply be a plaque or medal mounted onto a wood backboard or base.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
@CoinsAndMoreCoins said: "Note he does not mention 'coin', just metal and wood. What's up is anyone's guess."
That's why I agree with you 100%! Are you and I expected to assume (you know what that would make us) the metal object is either mounted or encased? Also, as you pointed out and overlooked by me - we don't even know if the metal is even a coin - right!
I think this has been the happiest thread of my life! @1630Boston Now let's get back to your piece.
It can possibly be "spot-conserved" meaning no acetone touches the wood in contact with it.
It would be helpful to know what you are working on.
Well, I had a beautiful, circular impression left by the round bowl I poured acetone in, which spilled over on to my wooden table. Equal opportunity solvent. Trust me...
It's going to dry out the wood and likely desolve the glue or adhesive that the coin was set in.