How to use silica gel for coin storage?.

a box measuring 12" x 12" x 12". how many grams of silica gel should we use for coin storage?.

when we ordering silica gel. how can we know if those silica gel is being use before or not?.

when we order more than what we need. say 100 pack and we use only 1/2 of it. what will happen to those unuse one?. how we keep it to maintain those were new?.

 

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IMHO, one can never have enough silica -- my suggestion would be to add as much as you possibly can...Mike

 

Here is a link that should answer most of your Silica Gel questions.

 

They sell silica gel in special containers with an indicator that changes color when they have absorbed all the moisture they can. You might want to look at a few of those if you have any doubts as you can heat them in the oven to recharge them and use them again and again.

 

still waiting the answer

i still did not get the answer to my questions.

 

You can put in as many grams of silica gel as you like, as long as it is in its pouch, it will do no harm. The more the merrier.

You will have no idea if the gel has been used before you have purchased it. You can avoid that problem if you order from a reputable dealer. Silica gel can be dried out and used repeatedly if you follow the directions in the link I posted for you HERE>>. Silica Gel :headbang:

What will happen to the ones you do not use? They will sit there until you use them. To keep them dry, put them in an air tight container. If they absorb moisture, follow the directions for drying them out in the link I posted for you HERE>>. Silica Gel :headbang:

 

thanks

you have answer my second and third questions. thanks again. how many grams should i use for a box measuring 12" x 12" x 12"?. is my box equal to one cu foot?. and lastly, i bought those silica gel from jp's corner. it said it can protect 2 cu foot. and its size is 3-1/2" x 5". so i can either use this silica gel which protect 2 cu ft for my1 cu ft box. and it can protect moisture free twice the time. right?. or can i cut that pouch into half?. and use for two 1 cu ft box?. after using them for few months. can i dry them?. i mean the product that i bought?. and how to dry them?. thanks.

 

(Bolds mine.)

There's a link from the above links that goes to:

http://www.southernexposure.com/library/drying-seed-silica-gel.html

That should help you.

 

thanks again

thanks for those who contributed knowledge on silica gel.

 

You got several answers, but you chose to ignore them.

How much silica you use is a function of humidity and air exchange, and how often you can (or will) check it.

You will be best off by putting as much as you can possibly fit, then checking it often until you have a feel for how long it will last....Mike

 

silica gel

i bought 60 pack of silica gel and really to use them.

 

silica gel

i bought too many silica gel. 60 pack. and i only used 45. what will happen to those un-use packs?. just automatically expire?.

 

They can last forever, but you will have to dry them out in an oven periodically. The paper packs have a tendency to break open and spill the silica granules after a time. When that happens I throw them away. I agree that it's best to get the ones with the indicators so you can tell for sure when they need to be regenerated.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Eva-dry-EDV-5..._bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1205433598&sr=8-7

Here is a link to the mini-dehumidifier that I have and where I purchased it. I works great and it is easy to use. There are different models, but this one had the best ratings. I also have a heat stick where I store my coins. This was suggested many years ago - whether or not it works is a different story - but in theory, it warms up the air slightly and keeps it circulating. You can find heat sticks at most lock and key shops that carry safes.

 

why toned?

i used silica gel for my silver proof sets. but some of them were toned to reddish and light black. what happen?. it is because of the original red cardboard attached on it?.

 

Yes, that is the most likely explanation. In short, some moisture and sulphur got to the surface of the coin which toned it -- and quite often it is from the cardboard. You see this all the time with the 50's mint sets...Mike

 

to leadfoot

now, are these toned (reddish and light black) affects the set. will it also be consider a premium?. or simply no one like them that we have to lower down the price.

secondly, these were silver proof set. what about the clad proof set?. are they tone too?. because i did not see any of my clad proof set tone. tell me.....

 

new way to do it

i think the best way is to take all coins out from the original set packaging and put it on a capsule. keep the mint original case and cardboard for future use. the coins should look better. the problem will be the plastic case. it would not be look like untouch. even when we close the case again. it can be detected that we have open it up before.

 

In general, if the toning makes the coin more attractive, it will fectch a premium.

Also, silver tones much faster than clad coins, in my experience.

 

silica gel comparison

3 cu ft silica gel with scale at $4.50 each. re-usable for life. waste time & electricity to heat them again and again.

2 cu ft silica gel without scale at $0.50 each. cheap and affordable. use 9 x compare to the above.

question - which one is really better?.