Stopping rust / Preserving ground dig items

[Military]

Ive acquired a few ground dug items - just a few badges, coins and relics.
Most have iron rust or zinc pest.

how can i prevent these from getting worse?

Ive washed them under water with a soft sponge and old toothbrush to remove soil and dirt trapped. they are now all clean and dry.

ive heard of methods of using Ren Wax / Bees Wax / dipping in Olive oil, etc and many other methods.

As im new to this, could someone advice me further?
perhaps what methods to use for a certain metal?
or to prevent iron rust or zinc pest etc?

many thanks,
Mil

[Acez84]

I use a chemical treatment after the removal of dirt etc. Im sure there are many differt kinds of chemicals you can use, but the best one I have tried is "RUSTBJØRN", or "Rustbjorn". It costs about 50$, or 30£, 35 Euros for 1 L. So its pretty expensive in the long run. You preferably use it on iron, never tried sinc.. But that would most likely work too. After you treat it with the chemical you can prime it with a primer or paint if its a helmet...

The chemical turns the color of the rust darker, almost bluish-black, but it stops the rust in its tracks... Hope that helped.

[Military]

AceZ, thanks very much - I'll have that checked. many thanks again.

[Stahlhelm]

Hello again, Mil:

Controlling the humidity level (keeping it low, of course) is the first best thing to do in preventing rust. Without sufficient moisture (in the air or otherwise) rust is dead--plain and simple. No matter how much it may have been alive at one time, loss of moisture means death for rust.

Humidity, of course, also helps zinc pest do its dirty work. So, to an extent, it can be controlled the same way. However, unfortunately, in the case of zinc pest, there is also evidence that lead impurities in the zinc of the time adds to the problem of the pest. Possible lead impurities in the zinc can also cause the problem, apparently sometimes without the need for moisture. This is what I have read in a number of sources regarding zinc pest.

Chris

[Paul R.]

Mil.. Chris is correct. The lead impurities are thought out the zinc medals. In the conservation field that I'm in there is no 100% cure or stoping zinc pest. It can be idle for years and then turn bad and aggressive very quickly. Most so called treatments are just tempory fixes. Like most other conservators will agree not even renwax will stop the zinc pest. Humidity seem to keep it stable. Also remember us gloves in touching your medals. Human sweat, oils can start up zinc pest areas. Paul

[Military]

Guys, once again, a very big thank you.

[Stahlhelm]

Guys, once again, a very big thank you.

As always, I'm glad I could help.

Chris

[Valter Gorenc]

Vaseline is also good for zinc pest, although it leaves an item a bit darker and somehow oily on touch, but this diminishes over time. Unfortunately, as Paul said, it is not a permanent solution.
Don't use olive oil or any other vegetable oils, as these deteriorate quickly and can make even more problems.

[Military]

i know of some collectors who swear by olive oil.

im going to try using Renwax though.
thanks guys.

[Paul R.]

I don't get it. Why subsitute anything. Ren Wax is the best product on some light infection on zinc pest. Cooking oils in time get sticky, turn rancid, attracts dust and moisture. Why weigh you decision on hear say. Don't be cheap to save a few dollars on a expensive medal. Wether ground dug or not.
Nothing will work 100% don't kid yourself on hear say methods