Acetone: What does it work best on?

[Frank]

Just got a smallish can, and I'm wondering when the best time for some would be? Verdigris? General schmeg?

Thanks!

[VAB2013]

Most all Alabama coins are dirty so if I think I have something it gets a quick 5 min soak in acetone to remove the surface gunk. Maineman once told me that too long in acetone is not a good thing and I have seen some of my coins that soaked overnight seem to somewhat change color in a negative way. I think about 15 minutes in acetone is going to do all the good it's gonna do. I never tried Verdicare and I'm sure it's a good product. But, I have come to really like Mineral Oil and I don't think it hurts the coin at all to let soak indefinitely. I have seen Mineral Oil remove some pretty bad gunk.

[Frank]

Thanks, Vivien! Yes, M.O. is definitely on my shopping list, as is Xylene.

[VAB2013]

Cool, I've never tried Xylene because it's pretty strong I think. But I have read several of the guys here have used it so maybe they will chime in with details.

[VAB2013]

Even though the acetone I buy is in a plastic bottle, the acetone will eat through most plastics and it evaporates pretty fast. Maineman uses glass baby food jars with lids, which is a great idea. I improvised with glass "sauce cups" and just enough acetone to cover the coin last at least 15 mins before it evaporates. I never use the same acetone again for another coin anyway.

[Frank]

Even though the acetone I buy is in a plastic bottle, the acetone will eat through most plastics and it evaporates pretty fast. Maineman uses glass baby food jars with lids, which is a great idea. I improvised with glass "sauce cups" and just enough acetone to cover the coin last at least 15 mins before it evaporates. I never use the same acetone again for another coin anyway.

Mine came in a metal can with this annoying adult-proof notched cap lol! I've used empty medicine bottles to clean up a couple today, & it seemed to be OK. Did great on a cent that had some caked-on Verdigris!

[Roller]

There are some substances that acetone will not act on. Xylene stinks to high heaven but sometimes it produces the result acetone will not. I seldom have to use it but have in the past.

[VAB2013]

There are some substances that acetone will not act on. Xylene stinks to high heaven but sometimes it produces the result acetone will not. I seldom have to use it but have in the past.

Yep, I read the label at the hardware store and it said, use in a well ventilated area, wear gloves and goggles, so I passed on it.

[enamel7]

I hope you're not using nail polish Viv. Not the same thing. That is bad for coins!

[VAB2013]

I hope you're not using nail polish Viv. Not the same thing. That is bad for coins!

Thank you enamel, now that you mention it, the bottle says 100% pure acetone, but the ingredients says: Acetone, Denatonium Benzoate. Wonder what that second thing is. Seems like false labeling to me.

Edit: Well I researched Denatonium Benzoate and it is a bitter additive to deter ingestion. My research also took me to another coin website and the discussion there was that it becomes a solid when dry and will leave a residue on a coin so it's best to rinse the coin with distilled water afterwards but it should not cause any diverse effects. Then I found another article that said all acetone contains Denatonium Benzoate. Do you guys who have acetone from a hardware store see Denatonium Benzoate on the ingredients?