PRESERVATION AFTER CLEANING

After cleaning, the bare metal is reactive and starts oxidizing again right away. Protection is essential.

🕯️ Paraffin / wax

  • Melt the paraffin
  • Dip the coin in
  • Highlights the relief and protects against moisture

🧪 BTA (Benzotriazole)

  • Dissolve in alcohol (7 g per 100 ml)
  • Soak the piece, then air-dry it
  • Forms a protective layer

Caution: use carefully on silver — it may change its appearance

🛢️ Oil (hydraulic oil)

Dip in technical/hydraulic oil and let it drip dry. Store in oil, or wipe it off and seal the piece.

🖌️ Paraloid B72 (museum standard)

  • Dissolve the granules in acetone (5–10%)
  • Clear, doesn't yellow, and reversible (removable with acetone)

Sulfur ointment

For adding patina. Apply, wait, then rinse off.