Question about olive oil

[Still Waters]

Hello,

A friend suggested I soak relics in olive oil to preserve them. My question is, how long should I soak an item? And once I have soaked it, is there anything further I need to do?

Thank you,
Still Waters

 

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[BuckleBoy]

I personally wouldn't use olive oil for any relics. What folks are trying to do with olive oil is to get contrast to see a design or detail on a relic. You can get the same contrast by using my "toothpick method" in the link below (for brass items), or even by using the oil from your fingers lightly over the very highest points in the design--it will bring the design right out.

Do not use olive oil on copper coins (large cents, IH's, etc.).

And above all, never use it on 2 piece buttons. It can literally cause the button to fall apart.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,165857.0.html


Best Wishes,



Buckleboy

 

[digluv]

I tried olive oil on ancient coins and hated it. After soaking for months it did nothing but make them greasy and messy.

For low value common relics made of nonferrous metals I use the old rock tumbler method. 5 minutes in the tumbler with gravel and water does more than a year in oil. And it does it much better too.

But the tumbler is not for everything. Never do rare items or those made of soft metals this way. A tumbler will pit the surface of a modern silver coin and it will eat aluminum tokens for breakfast.

 

[stefen]

Heed the advice given above regarding use of any oil product...

Here is a reply to another of your posts:

Oils have a tendancy to darken copper coins...leaves fingerprints...attracts dust and dirt...damages books and sleeves...

I use a product called "Renaissance Wax" which is available from Rockler Woodworking Stores or online...this seals all coin surfaces regardless of metal type and fully protects from all elements...

Its a microcrystalline wax polish that is used for antique restoration and museum curation...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17424&source=googleps&cookietest=1