I just learned of 2 cleaners called Coinserv and BU Plus which are used for removing contaminants from rare coins. Does anyone know if these are any good or do they harm coins? Also there is something called Durmashield which is supposed to shield your hands from harmful chemicals when treating rare coins. Does Durmashield also get on the coins if your hands are coated with it?
My experience with BU Plus® has been less than advertised, so wouldn't recommend it based upon my using it. The other products I have no knowledge of. I have tried many "cleaners" on junk coins to determine if they can do as advertised, without damaging the coin, and haven't really found any that I'm happy with. Good old acetone baths and distilled water are still my "go to" cleaners.
I wouldn't use it on my hands,if it is Dermashield. https://dermashield.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/derma_shield_msds_english.pdf Jim
And Conserv seems to be a light degreaser using hydrocarbons. MSDS: https://76935474-5f99-4478-961b-e4d...d/11eb66_7b6a6099890247beba66ee31200e2721.pdf
BU Plus is a "dip". Not an acid dip , but an Alkaline dip with a strong alkaline pH like drain cleaners. The MSDS isn't listed , so this flyer is available https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/images/products/BUPlusFlyer.pdf Jim
Generally so, but most also do not remove material from coins unless it is organic and not metallic compounds (like verdigris) . High molecular weight ones ( oils) make them shinier, but graders would notice. Acetone is what I would use instead. If people want to experiment first on low value coins, its educational and fun, but if it is to use on a valuable coin to send for grading, I recommend caution. IMO, Jim
A pure hydrocarbon probably won't, but unless it is a very low molecular weight hydrocarbon, it will probably leave an oily film behind on the coin, and isn't that why you are "cleaning" them in the first place? To remove contaminents from the surface of the coin. What good is a "cleaner" that leaves its own contaminents behind. Frankly most contaminents you are going to want to be removing from you coins (unless you are trying to remove toning/tarnish) can be removed with either distilled water or acetone, both of which are pretty safe, harmless to the coins, and probably cheaper than these cleaners.
If and until someone invents a completely new compound/concoction or whatever you wanna call it - there are 4 things that when used properly are safe to use on coins. 1 - distilled water 2 - acetone 3 - xylene 4 - coin dip That's it. And yeah, you could throw in alcohol but one of the 4 above always does a better job than it does.