Mark:
I believe the answer to your question can be found on pp 117-119 of the
Archaeologist's Manual for Conservation by Bradley Rogers (Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Press 2004), where he suggests using a galvanic wrap.
Basically, he says to stick your small copper alloy artifact in an aluminum
foil pouch, pour your electrolyte into the pouch (sodium bicarbonate
solution, citric acid or even vinegar), then place the pouch in a container
filled with the electrolyte, then let it sit for a few days. No outside
electrical current required. He then suggests solvent drying to dehydrate
the artifact - three successive hour-long soaks in acetone or alcohol. Seems
pretty cost-effective to me, although I have to say I have not tried this
method out personally as of yet.
Andy
Andrew R. Sewell, MS, RPA
Principal Investigator
Historical/Industrial Archaeology
Hardlines Design Company
4608 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43214
ph. (614)-784-8733
fax (614)-784-9336
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-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark
Branstner
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 12:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Corrosion on brass buttons
I know I'm going to be taking my life into my own hands when I ask
this question, but ...
I have some solid solder-loop brass buttons from a site here in
Illinois. We do not have an electrolysis tank. Short of that, does
anyone have any suggestions about "gently" cleaning them to remove
corrosion, etc. At least for ID/descriptive purposes, no
conservation/curation ... I was thinking mild acidic solution, like
vinegar or even coke, but for brass?
A "mea culpa" to anyone I've offended by asking the question.
Mark
--
Mark C. Branstner, RPA
Historic Archaeologist
Illinois Transportation
Archaeological Research Program
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
23 East Stadium Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217.244.0892
Fax: 217.244.7458
Cell: 517.927.4556
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"I hope there's pudding" - Luna Lovegood (HP5)
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