question on zinc rot

[billmunny]

So what's your advice on such corrosion as on this CCC...is there a way to clean or help it out, or should I leave it be?

[Don D.]

I'd clean it and then preserve it before it gets any worse.

[billmunny]

Thanks, Don

What's recommended for cleaning and preserving?

[wh014d4394]

i would sell it me. for 5o dollers befor it rots big time

[billmunny]

Jimmy!

I've got a bit more than $50 in the clasp, mate!

[Stu W]

Renaissance Wax

Hi Bill,

I'd clean it then seal the entire item with Renaissance Wax. The more I use that product the better I like it. It has it's limitations but for something like that it's the way I'd go.

I have done some experimenting with Ren Wax as has Robert Pierce and several other members. Our findings are mentioned in several threads on the subject in this Conservation forum. Hope this helps.

Best of the season to you.
Stu

[Stahlhelm]

To tell you the truth, if I was going to keep that one (which I would not), I would be compelled to remove the pest. As for whether or not the it will return later, who knows for sure. Environmental conditions as well as zinc impurities are the ultimate judge of that. In other words, it's both potentially controllable and uncontrollable factors. However, with somehting looking that aesthetically-displeasing, I'd just have to put a little vaseline on those areas, soften the stuff up, and carefully remove it. When something looks that bad, in my opinion, it just has to be dealt with, one way or another.

However, don't forget that the zinc pest has already removed whatever finish was originally on the surface of the clasp. If you clean it, be prepared to possibly see a darker or, in any case, different colored metal beneath. One way or another, the clasp will likely never be the way it should be again. In other words, it could be the lesser of two evils that you ultimately have to deal with here. However again, in my opinion, the blazingly obvious appearance of that white pest clashing with the dark bronze of the clasp can't be any worse than the results of cleaning it off. Besides, you could get lucky in this case and find that the metal beneath has not yet been damaged enough to cause the possible color/finish contrast I mentioned earlier. Again, who knows?

That's just my thoughtful opinion, but please ultimately consider all advice and possibilities, before you do anything. Weigh all possible outcomes, how you can deal with the worst thing that could happen, and do what you think is best.

Good luck!

Chris

[1corps]

Chris, yet another post with thoughtful and constructive insight. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!! It truly helps us all!! Mike.

[Stahlhelm]

Chris, yet another post with thoughtful and constructive insight. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!! It truly helps us all!! Mike.

You are most welcome, Mike! I'm always glad to help.

Chris

[billmunny]

Thanks!

Thanks, Chris, Don and Stu, for the thoughtful help!

[JustinG]

Someone on another forum advised that a light film of vasaline applied to the area or to the enire badge and left over night, then wipe clean with a lint free rag helped.
It worked for my KM narvik as well as my cholm shield.

Just a suggestion

Regards,
2dresq907