Posted 12/30/2008 12:22 am
The chemicals mentioned, Xylene and Acetone will not react with metals if they are pure without additives, such as in fingernail polish.
Verdi-gone will dissolve verdigris and generally leave non-affected patina alone. You need to follow directions provided with the product. The product only works on the copper compounds, not carbon spots or silver tarnish.
1. Although acetone and xylene will not dissolve metals, if there is PVC green gunk or even black decayed organic material such as oils, etc., they will tend to be removed Exposing what is beneath which may be off colored and toned differently. Also some "darkeners" use a waxy colored coating which makes the cent look dark. Acetone, Xylenes remove these waxy materials leaving possibly ugly coins beneath. This is why some swear that acetone or such can damage the coin. These chemicals Can not be safely reused as they may carry dissolved material that might attach to the second coin. Also, proofs will appear to have streaks unless good acetone rinse procedure is used.
2. There are several Verdi-gone threads. It works as advertised, but you have to have experience to distinguish verdigris from non verdigris. It may take a lot of experimenting before you use it on any but low grade coins. Experiment a lot first!
Always imagine what might be beneath the corrosion or PVC or whatever, there may be little , or pits deep enough to almost flake off the surface. A couple of rolls of circulated cents whould give plenty to practice on.
Jim
