Acetone Bath - It definitely works on PVC damaged coins

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Yes, it is handy stuff!

 

Really did nice work on the half. Has anyone tried Hoppes #9 on PVC coins? I haven't but I've used it on other collectibles to remove this kind of crap. Doesn't alter the finish or surface... hmmmm?

 

Can't say I have. Hoppes #9? Isn't that used for cleaning a gun barrel?

 

How long did you soak the dime for?

 

It doesn't always keep it from coming back but can be good stuff.

 

About ten minutes.

 

Acetone can remove PVC RESIDUE from coins, but residue is NOT the same as PVC damage. PVC damage is actual etching of the surface metal of the coin. (The residue absorbs HCl from the plastic and water vapor from the air creating hydrochloric acid which it then hold in contact with the metal surface of the coin. The acid then etches the metal.) There is no way to "fix" PVC damage. Once the coin is damaged, it is damaged for good.

 

Good post, as some might be led to think that the acetone does more than remove the HCL. The removal of the green substance, which I believe is the acid, is the primary objective of an acetone bath. I followed up with Verdi-Care.

 

PVC won't come back if you keep it away from PVC.

 

Woah...what is normally referred to as PVC damage is from the plasticizer used to make the virgin brittle PVC nice and pliable. The plasticizer (used to be Dioctyl phthalate) is sticky and gooey and can escape the plastic, particularly at higher temperatures. PVC is polyvinyl chloride, and if IT decomposes, it can give off HCl in gaseous form. In order for this to happen, the plastic would have to be quite noticeably decomposed. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

The MSDS for #9 is that most about 90% is a mix of ethanol ( ethyl alcohol), kerosene, and oleic acid ( organic fatty acid). Amyl acetate gives the somewhat addictive brain trigger banana smell shooters seem to love, and Ammonium hydroxide 1-5% to try and balance the pH from acidic to neutral.

My opinion would be a fresh bottle would be like soaking in fermented olive oil, but reaction would be minor. It would not do the job of pure acetone however, in removing organic debris/chemicals. Also the #9 components would tend to draw water out of the environment when open, whereas, acetone will remove water from the metal surface as it rapidly evaporates. Only fault for acetone, is it doesn't smell like bananas I would stick with 100% acetone.

 

I believe the alkaline is added to ionize the oleic acid so it will bind with the metal forming an anti-corrosion barrier.

I agree, acetone is a far better, safer and cleaner choice for coins.

 

Acetone works perfectly, so why even consider using some other concoction?

 

Well, Hoppe's really smells good.

 

Will acetone remove dark toning ?

 

No, not if it is metallic . Acetone only works on organic material. There are many threads that can be searched using the desrch box in the upper right of the menu bar.

 

I found some great threads in search , thanks !

 

Not to mention it's a helluv a lot cheaper.

 

When I buy raw coins I routinely soak them in acetone followed by a good rinse and then soak in distilled water. I look on it as cheap insurance.