Zinc and Lacquer

[Carl Christense]

People have discussed leaving a thin film of vasaline or olive oil on zinc badges to keep oxygen and humidity out to preseve zinc badges that have lost their finish. Has anyone experimented with flat lacquers or perhaps Dull-Coats used in hobby modeling to seal the zinc off from the environment? If so how has this worked out?

Carl C

[CWP]

Lacquering badges is a very poor conservation choice as this is not easily reversible. It would hurt the value of the badge.

[walt]

I know someone who did this to some of his tinnies years ago. He didn't get any zinc rot, and most of the finish is still left, but they have a lovely yellow tint now. I suppose he could soak them in laquer thinner to strip them, but I suppose that could damage them as well.

[Bob Hritz]

I know a collector who has been spraying on a coat of Krylon laquer. His badges have remained perfect for several decades, with no signs of yellowing. I don't alter any of my stuff, but have been tempted as I watch the finishes deteriorate, on my zinc badges.

Bob Hritz

[Mike H]

Powder

A shame really ... we have all seen the ravages of zinkpest. Eventually, without some sort of preservation, they will all be powder.

Mike

[Scott C.]

A spray laquer would make me very nervous - you would have to use nasty stuff to remove it if you didn't like the result. Vaseline can be wiped off with a soft cloth - and works just fine.

[Bob Hritz]

Hello Scott,

Vasoline is a petrolium product that penetrates the metal. We do not know the long term effect of vasoline on zinc alloy.

Sealing is what eliminates further growth of oxidation. That is why brass and bronze are laquered, and many silver pieces. Oxidation is the destruction of base metal with oxygen. Silver patina is destruction of silver. Coating keeps the ozygen from reacting with the surface. However, laquer has been used for many decades. I am notaware of the use of petrolium or natural vegatable oils being used, until recently, other than clove oil on Japanese sword blades.

Bob Hritz

[Don Scowen]

Has anyone tried the "Renaissance wax"? It's claimed that it is used by the Smithsonian, the NRA Museum, and other historical institutes to protect and preserve priceless artifacts from oxidation, drying, and corrosion........

Cheers
Don