electrolysis

[Frank(FL)]

Some of the silver coins we have been finding are really black due to the salt here. I have set up to do some electrolysis on the really bad one. I know the + is on the coin and the - is on the spoon. But it seem the spoon bubbles more than the coin. It seems to be work well. I just thought the coin would bubble more. Any help out there.

Frank

 

[savage]

Greetings Frank,
From what I understand about electrolysis I got off the web. I have a 12 vt converter from a super Nintendo. The instructions said if the spoon bubbles and the coin don't, the swap the clips and tie a overhand knot on the wire for the coins. The coins on mine look like Alka seltzer, however the spoon bubbles some too. Did you put a spoonful of salt in the water? Also add a little Lemon juice, if the coin dose not bubble more than the spoon then, try swapping them. Happy Hunting Grounds,

Savage (EX-II)

 

[Varmint]

the better method is chemical conversion.. The black tarnish is silver sulfide, and if you use the ion exchange method (baking soda and warm DISTILLED water + aluminum foil), you convert the silver sulfide back to pure silver without eating the material away like electroysis does.

See the link:

http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/TARNISH.html

DAS

 

[James N.D.]

This is what you are doing wrong Frank. You have the items on the wrong wires. The Coin is suppose to be on the Black Clip or Negative and the Stainless Spoon is suppose to be on the Red Clip or Positive. If the Coin is still not bubbling, then there isn't a good contact between the Clip and the Coin. Also, the Spoon will bubble a little bit so you shouldn't have to worry about that. And one other thing, do not use Electrolysis on Valuable Coins and do not have the current up too high or you will pit the Coin. Hope this helps and Good Luck with cleaning the Coins and HH on your next outing.