Last night I did a post on PVC damage to coins and how to detect it. If you did not read that post i put the link below, check it out. So here is the proper way to remove PVC damage from coins without do more damage. If you have any questions after reading this post please comment and i will answer them.
https://steemit.com/steemsilvergold/@silverd510/PVCdamage
PVC damage is caused by storing coins in old style soft plastic flips that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC.) PVC most commonly manifests as a light-to-dark greenish residue, although it can appear as milky or light gray in color. It has a distinctive "plastic" odor which can range from subtle to strong. I recommend treating coins for PVC residue whenever you can smell PVC on them, even if you don't see the greenish residue yet, because if the coin has a plastic stink, the PVC breakdown process has begun.
Put on latex or nitrile gloves and eye protection. Make sure you have good ventilation, and avoid using the kitchen or any area where an open flame is present. Acetone is a powerful chemical that is extremely flammable. Although acetone doesn't burn the skin (it is a key ingredient in some nail polish removers,) you should avoid unnecessary contact.
Pour a very small amount of acetone into the container. (Don't use plastic because acetone will melt it.) You only need about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce if you use a small drinking glass, or a glass bowl.
You need only enough to cover the coin by about 1/4 inch.
Gently place the coin with PVC residue into the dish, and swirl the acetone around for about 30 seconds. If both sides of the coin are affected, turn it over and swirl the other side.
Remove the coin and let it air dry. If the PVC residue is still present, follow the following this step. If the coin is clean, proceed to your next coin, and when finished dispose of the acetone by pouring it into a resealable jar. Never pour acetone down a drain, or let more than a very small amount evaporate. Acetone is considered hazardous and must be handled appropriately.
If the coin still needs further cleaning after swirling (and in my experience, most do), take a cotton swab (such as a Q-Tip) and dip it into the acetone. (Don't use cotton swabs with plastic sticks!) Then, using a firm and steady hand, roll the swab across the coin's surface on the PVC-infected areas, taking care not to use any sort of rubbing or abrasive maneuver. If the coin has a lot of PVC residue, you should replace the swab every few "rolls." Keep rolling, using new swabs as needed, until the coin appears clean, and then swirl it again to finish.
Once you have removed all of the PVC residue rinse the coin with distilled water and let it air dry. Do not use tap water as there are minerals and impurities that may cause spotting on the coin.
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FAQs
Even though some PVC residue can be removed from coins by placing the affected coins in an acetone wash for about 30 seconds (a process for which collectors must follow all safety precautions), the deleterious effects of PVC are irreversible.
Is PVC bad for coins? ›
The PVC chemical in the flips interacts with the coin's metal, creating a slightly acidic reaction, which causes residual deposits to appear on the coin's surface. Copper coins are most vulnerable to PVC damage, followed by silver, gold, and platinum. PVC damage appears as greenish, milky, or grey streaks or haze.
How do you fix PVC damage? ›
5 Common Ways to Repair PVC Piping
- Fibreglass Resin Tape. Fibreglass resin tape is a quick and effective way to seal leaks and reinforce the strength of PVC pipes. ...
- PVC Cement and Primer. ...
- Epoxy Resin. ...
- Rubber and Hose Clamp. ...
- Pipe Relining.
This is one of the main reasons why you should never pour acetone down the sink or use it to unclog a blocked drain. If your drain pipes are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or at least have PVC junctions, there's a risk the acetone will melt and deform the pipes.
Can you use alcohol to clean PVC? ›
Isopropyl Alcohol
First, clean the surface with soap and water. Apply the alcohol solution and let it sit on the surface for at least 30 seconds to disinfect. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
How do professionals clean coins? ›
The coin is dipped into a dilute acid solution that removes the oxidation from the coin along with a small amount of metal. Overdipped coins result in loss of luster which lowers the coin's grade and appeal. According to author Thomas E. Hudgeons Jr., this is the safest way commonly found coins are cleaned.
Will acid free PVC damage coins? ›
Storing your coins in an acid free box is the next step in providing the collection a good level of protection from damage. The material the box is made from is also important, PVC can off-gas acids into the stored environment, the same can also happen with wood and painted surfaces like enamel.
How to tell if a coin flip is PVC? ›
Simply twist the flip, for a start. If it bends quite easily and shows no indication of fracturing or creasing, it is almost certainly PVC. This quality is what makes it so useful in the short term storage of coins for sale.
What chemical destroys PVC? ›
On the other hand, PVC encounters severe damage when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid at any temperature. Exposure duration significantly influences PVC's compatibility with chemicals, as prolonged contact can escalate the rate of PVC attack.
Can PVC be repaired? ›
– Depending on the method you employ to fix the pipe, repairing a leaking PVC pipe can take as little as a few minutes, or up to a few hours. Solutions like sealant tape tend to be the quickest methods, while a full pipe replacement will likely take much longer.
Avoid flips made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can ruin a coin's surfaces over time. If you have any doubt that a flip is PVC-free, replace it immediately. And above all, always exercise caution when transferring a coin in or out of its holder.
Will PVC damage paper money? ›
You can also buy solid acrylic cases that snap shut around your bank notes, providing the ultimate protection. Vinyl-based materials (soft and rubbery PVC) are not safe and degrade, often oozing plasticizers.
Is unplasticized vinyl safe for coins? ›
As a result, unplasticized flips not only offer more rigidity, but are considered safer for coin storage than soft vinyl. This is why some manufacturers will refer to unplasticized flips as “Safe for long term storage”, or even "Archival".
What is the green stuff on old pennies? ›
This reaction is called oxidation. When copper oxidizes, it turns a blue-green color, forming a compound called malachite. In Bowl 2, the vinegar and salt create a chemical reaction. This reaction dissolves the copper oxide (the dirty looking spots) and some of the copper on the outside of the penny.
How do you clean coins with damaging them? ›
The process involves distilled water, a tablespoon of mild hand soap, clean cloths, and an old, soft-bristled toothbrush. Fill a plastic container with distilled water and stir in the mild hand soap in which you will soak the dirty coins for 10 to 15 minutes.
How to remove melted plastic from coins? ›
Ultrasound, like in a jewellery cleaner, often helps. An alternative might be an acetylene+oxygen torch. The flame burns the plastic away quickly, more so with an excess of oxygen. It may melt the coins too, depending on how it's done, but the silver in the coins has often the same value as the coins.
Does PVC damage currency? ›
Many people believe that PVC, regardless of form, is particularly detrimental to paper money [although not as much as coins], but it is in the long run. Others have utilized it for a long time and have successfully preserved various types of historical records.
Can you use vinegar to clean PVC? ›
The answer is that vinegar will not harm your pipes if used in small doses as recommended in many of the recipes that you find online. No matter what your pipes are made of, pex, pvc, copper, etc. Vinegar will not harm your water pipes.
