Letter 15087

Cleaning Antiques

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I'm trying to clean the green patina from the ancient rings (100 - 300 AD) I recently bought without damaging the underlying bronze. How do I go by it?

Thank you.

Chris Aghayan
- Northridge, CA

Unless there is something really special or fragile, I'd suggest using a small jewelry vib or tumbler with pretreated corn cob for a couple of hours.

AF Kenton Nova Finishing Systems Inc. Huntingdon Valley, PA

I would contact a museum or restoration facility as you can do more damage to such an old item without proper knowledge of the metals formulation. These places would be able to assess what quality of cleaning that needs to be done to preserve value, patina, and structure of the rings.

E.C. Lewis
- Nashville, TN, USA

I have seen a product called Wipease Silver & Brass, and it has been absolutely great. I first saw it at an antique store in California whilst visiting.

Jeb Marshall
- Asheville, NC

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