Philip I Sestertius with encrustations

[casata137ec]

Yeah...I do that fairly regularly. Most of the time it does not soften up the encrustation (every once in a while it will...but not usually), but it does usually make the crud stand out better. When I hit a spot that I need to take a break on a coin I will lube it up and let it sit for a night or two, wipe off the excess, and get back to work.  A little soap and water and vigorous brushing with a soft nylon brush will remove the vaseline.

Chris

(note: this can darken some patinas)

[Mark Z]

Yeah...I do that fairly regularly. Most of the time it does not soften up the encrustation (every once in a while it will...but not usually), but it does usually make the crud stand out better. When I hit a spot that I need to take a break on a coin I will lube it up and let it sit for a night or two, wipe off the excess, and get back to work.  A little soap and water and vigorous brushing with a soft nylon brush will remove the vaseline.

Chris

(note: this can darken some patina's)

Chris,

Are you saying that in a good way or bad way?

mz

[casata137ec]

In reference to what? If the question is about patina darkening, it does not matter to me one way or the other. Olive oil will darken a coin, no one seems to mind that, so I guess I am saying it as a side note...

Chris

[Mark Z]

In reference to what? If the question is about patina darkening, it does not matter to me one way or the other. Olive oil will darken a coin, no one seems to mind that, so I guess I am saying it as a side note...

Chris

I just wasn't sure whether you meant that as a good thing or a bad thing. However, as you say, it was just mentioned as a thing in and of itself

mz

[Mayadigger]

Ave MZ et All!

As for vasoline, as Chris mentioned, it 'sort of' works, sometimes...

I prefer to use Deller's Darkener, instead. Not sure why, but perhaps the sulpher content in the product aids just a bit more? But it really does work well under similar conditions.

Best,

Kevin

[SC]

Kevin,

I am confused.  Two uses for, or effects of, vaseline were mentioned - softening encrustations and darkening patina. 

Do you mean you use Dellers, instead of valseline, to darken or to loosen encrustations, or both?

Shawn

[DirtyBronze]

I'm going to have to try this on a few lower grades

[casata137ec]

Kevin,

I am confused.  Two uses for, or effects of, vaseline were mentioned - softening encrustations and darkening patina. 

Do you mean you use Dellers, instead of valseline, to darken or to loosen encrustations, or both?

Shawn

I think he meant that he uses it as a crust softener. I agree with Kevin, btw, Dellers works a bit better...but I am also broke and have more petroleum jelly around than dellers! lol Dellers will obviously darken a coin, btw. 

Chris