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Scratch-Resistant and Anti-Reflective Coatings
messydesk
Posts: 20,895 ✭✭✭✭✭
Has anyone experimented using optically clear DIY scratch-resistance coatings on slabs or GSA holders? I see there are such things for applying to clear plastic, but I have no idea if its practical or cost-effective. Also wondering about optically clear anti-reflective films that are available. They'd probably make a coin in a GSA holder really pop. I know NGC experimented with anti-reflective coatings at one time, but I don't think it ever took off. Probably cost too much for the limited demand.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
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I see your point John but I just use these.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 ) "Formerly OAKSTAR with 8,777 posts"
Understood, but I'm wondering if there's something that's cost-effective that is being overlooked that is optically clear and provides improved durability and/or reduced reflections.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Let's see if others chime in.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 ) "Formerly OAKSTAR with 8,777 posts"
Not sure about any of the following but throwing out some stuff.
When you say coatings I think of something that is a liquid or paste and is applied and then dried. First thought was a ceramic coating I had applied on my car. But I don't think this is what is wanted - correct?
Next I thought of films. There are several from films for phone screen protection to window tint films (are any clear?) and then the film I had applied to the front of my car to protect from road debris. The one I have is xpel. Here is their website and then go to products (automotive films and they also have that ceramic coating). On the car both appear 'clear' but not sure how any of the films would work on a slab (as I previously mentioned). There is also a windshield, headlight.... protective films which I don't have.
https://www.xpel.com
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OwZlYz2V4AM Sophie Lloyd, guitar shred cover Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fbEW8BrNctI Haley Reinhart, Don't Know How To Love You Live (direct to record)
RLJ 1958 - 2023
Practical for me would mean something that didn't have to be applied wet and then cure for an extended time. The two things I want to defeat are scratches in fragile plastic and strong reflections. I doubt there's something that can do both. One thing I found was this:
https://diamondcoatings.com/clearview-anti-reflective-screen-protectors/
Demonstrated on motorcycle gauges and a GPS system. Could it be applied to a slab or GSA holder effectively? I don't know, but I'm curious if someone else does.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
My DIY anti scratch non liquid slab protectant is extremely effective at protecting the plastic on my graded coins, however, i lost the recipe after making a large batch out of household products mixed with some hardwarestore shellacs and whatnot.
Goes on like a charm just takes some buffin’ with wd40 and its crystal clear optically speaking
I did a quick look and that appears to be a protective film similar to what I linked for the xpel. The xpel has many different films and some of the 'advertising' mentions reduced glare for some. Here is the FAQ page for many of their productis but of course it is a little (or lot) repetitive. Those screen films are somewhat pricey for a slab but certainly not to protect a phone. Some of the other films can come in sheet like material and might be better price wise. Don't know how much interest you have in this but contacting one of them (there are others on the market) might be (or it might not depending on whom if anyone responds) a way to get more direct information.
https://www.xpel.com/faqs
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OwZlYz2V4AM Sophie Lloyd, guitar shred cover Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fbEW8BrNctI Haley Reinhart, Don't Know How To Love You Live (direct to record)
RLJ 1958 - 2023
The bags reak some havoc on the coin boxs as well keeping them closed. I'd like to see better fitting bags actually , just a thought
That's what I was finding, too, until you consider the cost of reholdering a Very Expensive Coin.
My interest is largely passing. I'm more interested in whether anyone else has tried something or is familiar with the technologies beyond reading the sales pitches.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Ask any protective film or coating supplier how glare/reflection is reduced. Then decide if it's useful.
They can also put hairlines on the soft plastic of coin slabs as they rub against the plastic during handling and storage.