Unearthing History: Top 15 Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Metal Detecting Finds
Cleaning and preserving found artifacts is an essential part of metal detecting. After spending hours searching for treasures, it’s important to know how to properly care for and protect the items you uncover. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced detectorist, these top 15 tips will guide you in cleaning and preserving your newfound artifacts.
1. Handle with Care: When handling any artifact, be gentle and avoid touching delicate surfaces directly with your fingers. Wear gloves made from materials like cotton or nitrile to prevent oils and acids from your skin transferring onto the item.
2. Do No Harm: Before attempting any cleaning method, research the specific artifact type (coins, jewelry, buttons, etc.) to understand its composition and potential vulnerabilities. Some cleaning techniques may cause irreversible damage if not suitable for certain materials.
3. Brushing Away Dirt: Start by removing loose dirt using a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush. Be cautious while brushing around fragile areas such as engravings or gemstones; use light pressure to avoid scratching or dislodging them.
4. Water Bath: For non-ferrous metals like gold or silver coins without significant deterioration, a water bath can be effective in loosening stubborn dirt. Fill a container with warm water mixed with mild dish soap; soak the artifact for several minutes before gently scrubbing away remaining debris using a soft brush.
5. Stubborn Stains? Try Baking Soda: If plain water isn’t enough to remove stains on metal objects like buttons or buckles, make a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it forms a thick consistency similar to toothpaste. Apply this paste onto the stained area and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off gently.
6. Oxidation Removal: Over time, metal artifacts may develop oxidation that affects their appearance and structural integrity. To tackle this issue effectively, use specialized products like Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath or Evapo-Rust. Follow the instructions provided, as these products vary in application time and techniques.
7. Patina Preservation: Some artifacts gain value from their naturally aged appearance or patina. If you want to preserve this look, avoid aggressive cleaning methods that could remove or damage the patina layer. Instead, gently brush away surface dirt while leaving the underlying patina intact.
8. Coin Cleaning: Coins require particular care due to their delicate nature and potential numismatic value. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch or devalue them further. Use a soft cloth dampened with distilled water to wipe off dirt gently.
9. Toothpick Technique: For intricate designs on jewelry or buttons, use a wooden toothpick or a dental pick carefully to remove dirt lodged in crevices without damaging the artifact’s surface.
10. Rust Prevention: After cleaning metal artifacts prone to rusting (iron relics, old tools), it is crucial to protect them from future corrosion by using appropriate products like Renaissance Wax or mineral oil for coating and preservation.
11. Drying Time Matters: After any wet cleaning method, ensure your artifacts are completely dry before storing them—moisture can promote mold growth and accelerate deterioration processes like tarnishing.
12. Acid Testing Kit: When dealing with metal objects of uncertain composition, consider obtaining an acid testing kit specifically designed for metals such as gold and silver coins or jewelry pieces containing precious metals. This will help verify authenticity without causing harm during testing.
13. Professional Restoration Assistance: If you have valuable items requiring complex restoration work due to damage caused by prolonged exposure underground, seek advice from professional conservators experienced in treating similar artifacts.
14. Proper Storage Solutions: Once your treasures are cleaned and dried thoroughly, store them appropriately to prevent further damage over time. Investing in acid-free archival-quality storage containers lined with anti-tarnish material will help maintain their condition long-term.
15.Educate Yourself: Stay updated on the latest cleaning techniques, preservation methods, and new discoveries by joining metal detecting forums or attending workshops. Learning from experienced detectorists and historians will enrich your knowledge and refine your artifact care approach.
Remember, preserving history is as important as finding it. By following these tips, you can ensure that the artifacts you discover while metal detecting are cleaned and preserved with utmost care, allowing future generations to appreciate their historical significance. Happy hunting!