Vaseline works a miracle on a Westwall medal

[Tim B.]

Well, I think it's a great case in point and the before and after PIC's Chris shows here really add to the value supporting what can be done by collectors.

I do understand what Jason is saying, this method, or any cleaning method for that matter, should only be used when absolutely necessary and when you know that the results are going to be better than what you have currently. However, in my experience with zincpest, it doesn't stop. Even if you have a small area or the finish is just starting to fade, the time to act is now as it will not get better on its own overtime, only worse.

You have to ask, what's important to your collection. Corrosion comes in various forms and even the green verdigris will eat away at the metal. If you care about the piece at all, it's better IMO, to at least try to preserve it instead of just leaving it go.

---

Not to take the subject off track but, here's another case in point of what verdigris does to the metal overtime and if left unchecked, only gets worse as well.

A "before & after" shot. Don't worry about the apparent difference in the medal, it's all lighting differences here between the seller's flash and mine without. The important aspect is the green vedigris that was removed.

The remaining darkened area is now permanant and what verdigris does to the medal finish over time. If not removed, it only gets worse. Still, much better and more importantly, the medal is not being eaten away anymore by corrosion.

Tim

[Graeme]

Hi Chris

Stunning results, you could never guess the same badge

I fully agree with the guys that take the view treating a badge that is deteriorating is the sensible option.


Chris, what was the maker of the packet that you were so keen to get ?

cheers
Graeme

[CWP]

Graeme, it was this Orth packet: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=567895

[Robert J.D.]

Ignored zinc pest...

[Robert J.D.]

Another...

AS in Triangle PAB's don't like zinc pest.

[stark44]

Another...

I had a couple spots on my Krim shield pop up with zinc corrosion, did the 24 hr. Vaseline brush and it cleaned it right up.

Zinc pests and moths are allied together to destroy history.

[Graeme]

Graeme, it was this Orth packet: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=567895

Thanks Chris.. Super looking packet

I noticed a little bit of the designation poking out from under the sticker on the left hnd side.. so the packet could have been an Ost medal, a KVK2 or a KVM imo.

cheers
Graeme

[Oasis1275]

Do you think this method of cleaning would work on a tinnie?

[Sevrin]

The remaining darkened area is now permanant and what verdigris does to the medal finish over time. If not removed, it only gets worse. Still, much better and more importantly, the medal is not being eaten away anymore by corrosion.

Tim

I have a few that are succumbing to the green; what is the best method/cleaner to remove that?

Thanks!

[Tim B.]

Do you think this method of cleaning would work on a tinnie?

Yes, it should have positive results on anything zinc. Depending on how bad the item's condition is, you may have to give it a couple of applications.

Here's a additional observation:

I have also tried using lighter fluid just to see what it does, as I've heard from another collector it would retard the zincpest process.

What it did, was dried the piece out and actually turned it more white-ish in color. At first, I was shocked and thought I made things worse however, after applying the vaseline afterwards, it came out looking as good. I am waiting to see how long before I see any zincpest return. So far, so good.

Not sure if anyone else has tried that and would be curious to hear results.

Tim

[Tim B.]

I have a few that are succumbing to the green; what is the best method/cleaner to remove that?

Thanks!

I used a commercial product called "Goo Gone". It's a citrus-based liquid that is used to remove grease, gum, stickers, etc. Works great to remove those glued on labels but you can use it on hard surfaces as well as cloth, though they state not on silk items.

I have used it successfully to clean off green verdrigris as well as glue on medal ribbons. Just squirt a little on the area and gently rub it in with your fingers or if you want to use something like a cotton swab. Just work it in and let it dissolve the crap.

It works great and to my pleasant surprise, did not affect the ribbon at all on the items I've tried it on. No fading or running of colors but, keep in mind, some ribbons can be very fragile and I would be very careful in those situations. This has actually worked better for me than water with a little soap or any light scraping of the glue, both of which will fade or damage the ribbon.

** Do make sure you completely rinse the item off or let the water soak the cloth material afterwards to remove any product residue and dry the item afterwards. I use a blow dryer. I also always recommend trying it on a small portion of the item before going all out, just in case.

Good luck!

Tim

[Sevrin]

I used a commercial product called "Goo Gone". It's a citrus-based liquid that is used to remove grease, gum, stickers, etc. Works great to remove those glued on labels but you can use it on hard surfaces as well as cloth, though they state not on silk items.

I have used it successfully to clean off green verdrigris as well as glue on medal ribbons. Just squirt a little on the area and gently rub it in with your fingers or if you want to use something like a cotton swab. Just work it in and let it dissolve the crap.
Good luck!

Tim

Awesome, thanks for the info! I'll see about finding some this weekend.

James

[Depaor01]

Hi:

I opened my box of awards and noticed to my horror that one of my tinnies had become "infected". Found this thread and tried vaseline. Here's a before and after..



Thanks for posting,

Dave

[Rommel1933]

Very good Dave... so when you put them in the box there was no zinc pest? how long was the above tinnie put away and not looked at? Was it in mint shape when you put it in the box?

Thank you, Scott

[Depaor01]

Very good Dave... so when you put them in the box there was no zinc pest? how long was the above tinnie put away and not looked at? Was it in mint shape when you put it in the box?

Thank you, Scott

Hi Scott,

It was far from mint originally - pretty much the same as the "after" picture. The process certainly did no damage to the item.
It was in a closed wooden box with other awards (not zinc) and a flag not looked at for about three months max. I've had it for years and I've no idea what started the deterioration.
I'll be checking my collection more regularly in future!

Cheers,

Dave