Question for the Dippers

...that doesn't make it right.

 

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You sir are 100 % correct and both you and I know it!

 

Actually looking back through the thread, you are the one that started to argue and started being disrespectful. I'm done.

 

I get it I have to watch what I say but Insider has free reign. It’s getting less fun here.

 

Not really hes taken more than his fair share of flack, but incorrect things about cleaning/conservation whatever you want to call it are one of the quickest ways to get him riled up.

 

Boy howdy, like I said somewhere here I’ll watch my P’s & Q’s

 

Its so funny I started this thread with this paragraph:

"I'm scared to ask any cleaning related questions. I know how polarizing the issue is. So this question is specifically for those who have dipped coins in an E-Z-est type acid/thiourea solution. If you are against cleaning in any way, shape, or form you don't have to read and get yourself all irate. I totally respect your opinion."

I guess that was pointless, huh?

 

yup...actually @V. Kurt Bellman has a "secret formula" that substitutes citric acid for the sulfuric acid of eZest. Lemon juice is a tried and true "dip" for ancient silver coins.

 

I think I remember seeing something about that from him...buying thiourea on the black market or something and mixing it up with some fresh squeeze lemons...I hope to some day try this myself...sulfuric seems like overkill to this laymen.

 

Don't think you have to go to the "black market" to buy thiourea, and citric acid is preferable to using lemon juice...just that lemon juice is more available.

 

The best source for inexpensive dry powdered citric acid is the canning aisle at a well-stocked grocery. Countryside grocers are more likely to carry canning supplies than urban ones.

Here (again) is my formula:
35 grams Thiourea (the most expensive part) (DO NOT buy reagent grade, go cheap)
35 grams Citric acid (powdered)
Water to make 1 quart

It is MUCH slower AND GENTLER on the coins than EZest is.

 

The "black market" thing (I knew someone was Gona jump on that) was a little poke at those who think dipping is coin doctoring. Was hoping that would come through...I love me some thiourea and plan on getting my hands on some asap. Just have to find a shaman to sell me some.

 

Didn't see this when I last posted. I've been eager to try this since I first saw you refer to it in another post. Thank you for selflessly offering your learned experience. I'm sure I can find some thiourea on eBay or wholesalers online or something. Really appreciate a few of you here who have really enriched my life by way of helping me get the most out of my hobby

 

You know what it is more than anything, GDJMSP? It's not that it's too strong--I've diluted 10:1 with distilled at times. It's more that I fear sulfuric acid. I may be being paranoid. Thiourea too I guess. After I do my "work", I maniacally clean the kitchen. I'm worried about spilling a tiny drop of the stuff on the dogs bowl. It's a bit stressful. Citric acid I would spray all over the cat. Mixing it with thiourea will bring me back to being (overly?) cautious but I figure it's better to get thiourea and citric on the cat than thiourea and sulfuric.

Am I wrong? Or am I exercising the proper caution? Did some reading on thiourea a while ago and I know it instilled caution in me...can't remember the specifics but just remember coming away with the attitude that this is stuff I should be careful with, something i don't want to contaminate eating utensils, etc with.

Can't wait for my cyanide to come in the mail! Old school!

Thanks!

 

If you're the type of person who is chemical-risk averse, wear nitrile gloves. As for me, my sisters and I used to play with vials of mercury, and none of our dains are bramaged.

 

I think I recall you mentioning a photography background that brought you in contact with thiourea, correct? How were people handling it in that scenario? Kid gloves? Or was a bit unintentionally ingested here and there without need to induce vomiting? I'm going to re-read up on it.

 

Well it didn't take long to remind me of my healthy fear. This stuff scares the crap out of me. Definitely can mess the cat up. Might need to convert shed into lab. Hmmm. I've been toying with getting a respirator since I think I am in for the long haul. Seems like inhaling the stuff is bad idea. I wonder if they mean in particle form. Fumes dangerous when part of a solution? I'll see if I can find out

 

One thing you need to know is that old-school darkroom rats are almost never spooked by most chemicals, unless we've actually seen a colleague die from them. Our motto is, "Bah! Not gonna hurt me!"