verdigris: best way to remove without damaging finish underneath

[yossarianlives]

any ideas? don't want to remove coatings on underlying metal parts...

[Stahlhelm]

In my opinion and experiences, wherever there is verdigris, any "underlying coatings" have already been damaged or removed.

Chris

[ChrisCook]

Verdigris

I have used a very soft rotary brush on a dremel tool. It has removed verdigris successfully in my experience without leaving any harsh abrasive marks, etc. I have used it on brass US Militaria web fittings, the brass always ends up being "brighter" in the affected area when the verdigris is removed, and I have also used it on Canadian/Scottish cap badges-with the opposite result, the verdigris is removed, but the underlying metal has a blackened/darker appearance. Chris...

[Stahlhelm]

I have used a very soft rotary brush on a dremel tool. It has removed verdigris successfully in my experience without leaving any harsh abrasive marks, etc. I have used it on brass US Militaria web fittings, the brass always ends up being "brighter" in the affected area when the verdigris is removed, and I have also used it on Canadian/Scottish cap badges-with the opposite result, the verdigris is removed, but the underlying metal has a blackened/darker appearance. Chris...

Yes, I agree that if the underlying metal is copper or of some copper alloy, and if it is the same as the surface of the object otherwise, then that could be effective--save for the resulting "brighter" area you mention, after removal. However, if the object has any type of coating, plating, or fire-gilding (as with GPBs) of some other metal, then such a coating would most likely have already been removed by the process of verdigris formation. Verdgris, of course, consumes copper and copper alloys. Wherever there is verdigris, it is in direct contact with the copper, rather than existing outside a barrier of any other type of metal. For example, if you remove verdigris from a GPB, I guarantee that you will not find the gold wash remaining beneath. Instead, you will find a darkened area of tombak beneath, arguably no more attractive than the verdigris.

However again, your idea is good, I think , for objects which have the same metal beneath as is on the surface of the object otherwise. In other words, if the whole object is made of copper or a copper alloy, with no other types of metal plating, then your idea is a good possible choice of action.

Chris

[Richard]

I've successfully used soft wooden toothpicks and lots of patience.
Richard V

[Stahlhelm]

I've successfully used soft wooden toothpicks and lots of patience.
Richard V

I've actually done the same thing myself, more than once.

Chris

[Jareth]

Yes wood toothpicks followed up with a toothbrush