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Serious question, I was cleaning a Roman coin from a dig site with a soft brush versus a metal pick for a week and the brush kept the details clear.
Has anyone else found that gentle cleaning methods work better for preserving small finds?
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tessap981mo ago
Yeah, the soft brush is always the way to go for details.
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ninasanchez1mo ago
Yeah I had to learn that lesson the hard way. First coin I ever cleaned I went at it with a metal pick like I was trying to dig a ditch and ended up scratching the emperor's face off. Now it looks like he's got a weird beard scar. @tessap98 nailed it with the soft brush advice. I actually tried a toothpick once and still managed to gouge a line because I pushed too hard. So I stick to the brush now and just accept that some dirt is gonna stay put until I soak it longer. My patience is basically nonexistent but the coins come out better when I force myself to slow down.
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simonw411mo ago
Tessa's right, a soft brush is key. I've seen people ruin good details with picks or even toothpicks. For really stuck-on dirt, a wooden cocktail stick is softer than metal and works well. Patience with the gentle stuff always gives a better result.
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