Cordoba Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 i have some silver dirhams that i suspect have pvc residue on them. they're a bit sticky to the touch, but otherwise i can't see anything unusual about them. they were in pvc flips before, but i have removed them. is acetone good to use to remove the residue, and how long should i soak it? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 Would be nice to see a photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 Yes, you can use acetone, just put some acetone in a small dish, put the coin in and swish it around a bit slowly, then take it out. Rinse with a little distilled water and pad it dry. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordoba Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 10, 2022 7 hours ago, Spaniard said: Would be nice to see a photo? there isnt really anything to take, the coins dont have anything visible on them 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 12 minutes ago, Cordoba said: there isnt really anything to take, the coins dont have anything visible on them Just so you know, whenever I buy a new coin, I always put it in a quick acetone wash. It's never mattered the metal the coin is either. You'd be amazed at how the a few times the acetone turns to a color of some kind, or the organic stuff that was on it just goes away. Sometimes the coin looks so much better. BUT, sometimes the coin can loose an appeal too, but at least it is PVC free. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeandAcre Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 9 minutes ago, Kali said: Just so you know, whenever I buy a new coin, I always put it in a quick acetone wash. It's never mattered the metal the coin is either. You'd be amazed at how the a few times the acetone turns to a color of some kind, or the organic stuff that was on it just goes away. Sometimes the coin looks so much better. BUT, sometimes the coin can loose an appeal too, but at least it is PVC free. Many thanks for the advice, @Kali. I'm wondering, though, in what way can the coin lose appeal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John060167 Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 (edited) 8 hours ago, Cordoba said: i have some silver dirhams that i suspect have pvc residue on them. they're a bit sticky to the touch, but otherwise i can't see anything unusual about them. they were in pvc flips before, but i have removed them. is acetone good to use to remove the residue, and how long should i soak it? Hi ! I have some experience with acetone, I would recommend using pure acetone only(make sure it is the only ingredient, even bitterants should be avoided.) Best way to find them is at the hardware store or sometimes you can find pure acetone at places like walgreens where it is the only ingredient. I would soak for at least several minutes each side, could be longer depending on severity of the residue…at least do it until you cannot see the residue on the coin anymore. Make sure you do not use plastic as a container and maybe use glass or something like that instead as acetone eats through plastic. Also keep your container in a well ventilated area with some lid over it, as acetone evaporates quite easily and you 1) do not want to inhale and 2) do not want the acetone to evaporate to the point where the coin is no longer fully saturated in the solution and acetone is evaporating on the coins surface, otherwise pvc residue can be redeposited…a big no no. When you take it out, I would suggest a thorough distilled water rinse ideally before the acetone has much time to evaporate. Then to dry the coin without using, I keep the coin tilted at an angle( I use a piece of paper folded into a V like shape and rest the coin there, picture included as an example). That way the liquid falls down the coin and doesnt dry on the coin. Also since paper absorbs the liquid, it also helps dry up the coin without rubbing it with anything. You can flip the coin around to get this done on both sides. I have done this numerous times and have never had an issue with spotting. Good luck with doing the pvc residue removal! Cheers Edited June 10, 2022 by John060167 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavius Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 I have used acetone on a number of my bronze and silver coins to remove the sticky residue of PVC. I just dipped them in a small saucer of pure acetone for several seconds and gently dabbed them with a cotton Q-tip. It worked like a charm. ; did not affect the patina at all. After at least 10 years , there has been no change to my coins. I think you run more of a risk of damaging your coins if you do NOT remove the sticky, PVC residue. Please remember that acetone is extremely flammable! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kali Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 3 hours ago, JeandAcre said: Many thanks for the advice, @Kali. I'm wondering, though, in what way can the coin lose appeal? Sometimes acetone will remove organics or ren. wax and such, thus removing things that were hidden or different in color. Some bronzes I've had changed when things that were applied in the past revealed their dirty secrets. Sadly, it happens. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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