Cleaning badges question

[ubervamp]

Hi

I've been running through threads about cleaning badges, and see there are several approaches regarding the best way to clean them (if at all )
I'm generally quite happy to leave my badges alone, but one or two have some verdi gris I think should be dealt with, and some old polish residue here and there I could live without.

Am I right in assuming that soap/washing up liquid, water and toothbrush is the safest way to go?
(If there's any danger of detriment, I will just leave well alone)
How about (baking) soda?
Will this mild cleaning also remove the natural patina?

Any advice or tips r most welcome

Thnx

Ubervamp

[2LBH]

Hi ubervamp,
when dealing with the badges you're talking about, I usually use toothpaste and toothbrush. It works fine.
All the best
Phil

[KLR]

The most important aspect - whatever cleaning method you use - is thoroughly rinsing them afterwards.

Colin,

Here is a cleaning project I tackled a couple of years ago:

Before.jpgAfter.jpg

Admittedly it is a bit of an extreme case, but with the kind help of forum members, I was able to really give it a new lease of life

Peter.

[ubervamp]

Peter:
It's amazing how that turned out! Just goes to show!!

In my case it's just a matter of a bit of polish residue and slight verdi gris.
Still not sure whether it's worth cleaning, especially if it means ruining the patina.

Colin

Originally Posted by ubervamp

Peter:
It's amazing how that turned out! Just goes to show!!

In my case it's just a matter of a bit of polish residue and slight verdi gris.
Still not sure whether it's worth cleaning, especially if it means ruining the patina.

Colin

In that case, Colin, have a look at this bit of badge-cleaning expertise by one of the masters :

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...light=cocktail

Cheers,

Peter

[wright241]

Originally Posted by ubervamp

Hi

I've been running through threads about cleaning badges, and see there are several approaches regarding the best way to clean them (if at all )
I'm generally quite happy to leave my badges alone, but one or two have some verdi gris I think should be dealt with, and some old polish residue here and there I could live without.

Am I right in assuming that soap/washing up liquid, water and toothbrush is the safest way to go?
(If there's any danger of detriment, I will just leave well alone)
How about (baking) soda?
Will this mild cleaning also remove the natural patina?

Any advice or tips r most welcome

Thnx

Ubervamp

Ref any badges with GILT (not gilding metal!): I used lemon juice and baking soda with hot (but not boiling....! - can be touched with the finger) water, old toothbrushes and cotton buds (even the modern rotating head version is ok). But you do need (as has been mentioned) to rinse very thoroughly. I also found that stubborn verdigris needed more than one application - rather than a "stronger mixture" i.e. multiple 'soakings' etc, rather then more lemon juice/baking soda. If the verdigris is solid/encrusted in any way, don't break the pieces off, soak the badge for afew hours or even overnight. Good luck.

[Reg Mascot]

About a year ago I stumbled upon a household cleaning product called 'Hob Brite' - supposed to be used to clean ceramic cooker hobs. Essentially the only active ingredient in it is citric acid [lemon juice]. Can be used for deep clean or simply rub on and wash off to bring out the highlights on a badge. Quick, clean and very effective. An absolute godsend I promise you. Image attached.

[wright241]

Originally Posted by Reg Mascot

About a year ago I stumbled upon a household cleaning product called 'Hob Brite' - supposed to be used to clean ceramic cooker hobs. Essentially the only active ingredient in it is citric acid [lemon juice]. Can be used for deep clean or simply rub on and wash off to bring out the highlights on a badge. Quick, clean and very effective. An absolute godsend I promise you. Image attached.

I have a bottle of ceramic hob cleaner, I'll check the ingredients and give it a whirl. Tks.

[Mike_2817]

Originally Posted by Reg Mascot

About a year ago I stumbled upon a household cleaning product called 'Hob Brite' - supposed to be used to clean ceramic cooker hobs. Essentially the only active ingredient in it is citric acid [lemon juice]. Can be used for deep clean or simply rub on and wash off to bring out the highlights on a badge. Quick, clean and very effective. An absolute godsend I promise you. Image attached.

Cheaper to buy a bottle of Jiff Lemon!



'Hob Brite' COSHH Safety Sheet

http://www.pattersons.co.uk/files/pdfs/JG124006.pdf

[matti467]

I find sand blasting, wire wool and hydrochloric acid good ways of cleaning my badges. Not into also this gently gently nonsense, if they can't stand some real action they are not worth keeping in the collection.

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by matti467

I find sand blasting, wire wool and hydrochloric acid good ways of cleaning my badges. Not into also this gently gently nonsense, if they can't stand some real action they are not worth keeping in the collection.

Wussy! Take a belt sander to 'em for that real 'gently worn' look

[magpie]

Thanks for the sandblasting tip

[matti467]

Magpie, those images make me think that those badges will clear up well with some fine shot and an hour or two in the acid tank. Heating enamel tends to burn off any blemishes
P.s. warning to all forum members, my above postings are meant to be humorous, make people smile and add a degree of levity to the forum. if you are stupid enough to do what I suggested I will not be help responsible for your moronic actions.
(you can never be too careful)

[2747andy]

Matti,
my laywer will be in touch!

Stupid Moron in Wales!