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1. You've posted quotes from a book you were writing about verdigris. Did you ever publish it? If so, where can it be obtained?
No, I was laid-off much of 2009 so I had time to work on the book. Eventually, I'll get motivated to finish it off as it's like 90% done.
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2. I've seen you recommend using water, acetone, and xylene, in that polarity order, as solvents for removing foreign matter and organic materials. Do you have an opinion about using Koinsolv as an alternative? Wizard says it "works better than acetone, alcohol, and other solvents". Its MSDS says it contains "propyl bromide, propanol, epoxybutane, oxygenated hydrocarbons".
I've seen the advertisements for Koinsolv, however, I've never personally tried it.
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3. I'm 99% sold on using VERDI-CARE but the one thing that has held me back is that I haven't been able to determine it's chemical composition. Like many numismatists, I'm a tad anal-retentive, so I have a personal policy about knowing what chemicals contact my coins. I thought the MSDS would tell me but it didn't. Is the composition a proprietary secret? If so, I'll be frustrated but I'll understand.
The ingredients are proprietary. Sorry, you'll have to remain frustrated. However, be aware that I originally developed the product mainly for my own personal use because verdigris is a major problem for us copper lovers. I now have test coins that are going on 2 years old that were conserved with VC and they look the exact same today.
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4. The VERDI-CARE instructions say that "rinsing with water or other solvents after treatment is NOT needed or recommended". Other than more reflective surfaces, what are the benefits of leaving the surface conditioner on the coin? Have you considered selling ReAcT2 separately for folks who might be inclined to rinse off the surface conditioner in VERDI-CARE?
The benefits are protection from atmospheric gunk. ReAcT2 is not and will never be sold separately. A light rinse will not fully remove it and the protective benefits of ReAcT2 will remain.
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5. You've said that ReAcT2 is used by the U.S. mint. I was curious to learn more about how they use it. Do they use it to prepare planchets or as a final treatment after coins are struck? Do they use it for all alloys? Do they use it for proofs only?
The mint uses the ingredient post-production to halt browning, oxidating and corrosion. I have no idea what other coins they may be using it on now.
I hope this helps!
Posted 12/14/2011 9:49 pm
