Polishing badges

[Restrikes-ok]

Dear cap badge aficionados

It seems a rookie question to ask but......

I am of the ilk that likes to polish a badge before displaying. I paid what for me is big money ie £26 for a Royal Marines Artillery cap badge.

Ive tried bringing it up with brasso and tooth brush but i'm getting no where with it.

Ive heard soaking in coke-a-cola works. Is this a 'housewifes tale' or is there any credence in it ?

Thanks John


Ps any other polishing suggestions welcome

[KLR]

Don't EVER dip any badge (coin, etc) into Coca Cola - it is VERY corrosive !
(Ld knows what it does to ones guts !!)

Mild cleaning with water and soap AND full rinsing will usually do. A rubbing with a clean cloth will get back to a good condition. However, you won't really restore a badge to the exactly same condition it was made 100 years ago.

But that's what most collectors like - good condition with a bit of history.

[Restrikes-ok]

Thanks for the advice, so it was in the coke for 5 mins before you replied

[49lassiepen]

If it is a repro you will never clean it to any where near genuine item like wise with repro white metal no matter how much you clean them they always have a greyish tint
David

[Luke H]

I suspect with a tooth brush you’re being too soft if it’s got a heavy patina to it. Cloth, polish and elbow grease.

Old pickle vinegar will strip off tarnish, verdigris etc. so may save you some time.

[Neil M.ex14/20H.MAN A.C.F]

Hi John
I use a suede shoe(brass wire)brush myself with mild detergent.
Regards Neil

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by KLR

Don't EVER dip any badge (coin, etc) into Coca Cola

I agree , it give the Coke a nasty metallic taste when you drink it !

[Charliedog012012]

You use a grinder on your teeth?

[magpie]

Originally Posted by Charliedog012012

You use a grinder on your teeth?

He takes them out first

[Charliedog012012]

Originally Posted by mike_vee

I agree , it give the Coke a nasty metallic taste when you drink it !