How to get the best details

[Copet]

What's the best method of cleaning these buttons? Found today. I know they have to be 1820s +

 

[cellrdwellr]

I'd start with a DRY soft bristled toothbrush.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

I start with a brush like cellrdwellr does. Than once it’s cleaned off I wipe it with my finger just one pass over it. That will bring out the detail.

 

[stetam]

I disagree. Soap, water, toothbrush. If you need more detail steel wool works. I do all my buttons that way. They are not valuable coins.

Steve

 

[cellrdwellr]

I disagree. Soap, water, toothbrush. If you need more detail steel wool works. I do all my buttons that way. They are not valuable coins.

Steve

Do that to the wrong button and you will be sorry!

 

[cellrdwellr]

It's all personal preference, if you want to scrub it clean that's your choice. I've seen too many finds get ruined because the patina was literally rinsed down the drain... I only dry brush the nice buttons. Any common buttons get tossed in a freezer bag with the rest to each their own.

 

[vmc1161]

I start with a brush like cellrdwellr does. Than once it’s cleaned off I wipe it with my finger just one pass over it. That will bring out the detail.

I’m confused how is he going to wipe it with your finger?

 

[kac]

I try to avoid using 60 grit sandpaper....

 

[hoser]

How about the use of a tooth pick to get into the nooks and cranny's the brush don't reach?

 

[Dave_e]

Gentle use of Andre's pencils too. Then thin coat of renaissance wax.

 

[Fredneck]

The button as my avatar was covered in a chocolate crust when found. Sometimes there's a reason to clean, but most times not.

 

[The Rebel]

My method to clean buttons, relics or coppers is to wash in hot soapy water, rinse with clean water and use a brass wire Dremel tool to remove the hard crud. If it's easy to clean then I'll skip the wire tool and use a Dremel wool polishing wheel. Give it a nice coating of Renaissance wax and use a clean wool polishing attachment.

 

[Rock Jock]

I've noticed that some coins and buttons may display a thicker crust of mineral on one side than the other. I think it can be thicker on the down side with a flatter lie of the disc-like object in the soil. I think that this could be a property of groundwater in the soil leaching downward and precipitating stuff on the bottom. I also think that similar conditions have been observed by soil scientists and in geology. Offered FWIW

 

[$MELTER-1]

What's the best method of cleaning these buttons? Found today. I know they have to be 1820s +

IDK bout buttons or silver but comet,spit,n a toothbrush makes for some shiny clad lol

 

[coydawson]

Spit does wonders.

 

[$MELTER-1]

I try to avoid using 60 grit sandpaper....

I just send mine straight to the blast yard...

 

[treasureguy56]

I’m confused how is he going to wipe it with your finger?

I think he's implying that a little bit of our natural body oils will accent what has already been cleaned with the brush . You 've heard people say that they wiped a little nose oil on an old coin to harmlessly bring out some of the details - it does work in some situations . At the very least it will not hurt the item ..
Good day to you.....
Al