To preserve your metal detecting finds, you’ll need to start with gentle dry brushing using soft bristles and wooden tools before any moisture contact. Store artifacts separately in acid-free materials or polyethylene foam containers, maintaining specific humidity levels for different metals: iron below 15%, copper and lead under 35%. Always wear cotton gloves when handling items, and use silica gel packets for moisture control. Proper preservation extends beyond these basics into specialized coating and environmental control techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Clean artifacts gently with wooden tools and soft brushes, starting with dry cleaning before using any moisture or solutions.
- Store items separately in acid-free materials or polyethylene foam, maintaining appropriate humidity levels for different metal types.
- Wear clean cotton gloves when handling artifacts to prevent damage from skin oils and acids.
- Apply appropriate protective coatings like microcrystalline wax for iron or acrylic lacquers for silver after proper cleaning.
- Monitor environmental conditions consistently, keeping temperatures between 18-22°C and relative humidity between 30-55%.
Essential Cleaning Tools and Techniques
Success in metal detecting artifact preservation begins with assembling the right cleaning tools and mastering proper techniques. You’ll need wooden or plastic toothpicks and soft bristle brushes as your primary cleaning implements. These tools allow you to safely remove dirt and debris without damaging delicate surfaces. For valuable historic artifacts, it’s crucial to seek expert guidance before attempting any cleaning.
Start with dry brushing to remove loose soil before introducing any moisture. When using toothpick techniques, work carefully in tight crevices to avoid scratching the artifact’s surface. For fragile items, submerge them in distilled water while brushing to minimize abrasion.
Always avoid abrasive tools that could wear away valuable patina. Your cleaning kit should include various brush sizes, distilled water, and gentle cleaning solutions. Remember to test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first. A magnifying glass provides essential close inspection of delicate details to ensure thorough yet careful cleaning.
Safe Storage Solutions for Metal Finds
While proper cleaning lays the foundation for preservation, appropriate storage methods ultimately determine your artifacts’ long-term survival.
Preserving artifacts requires more than just cleaning – their fate lies in how carefully and systematically we store them.
You’ll need to store each find separately using acid-free materials or polyethylene foam to prevent mechanical damage. Select storage containers carefully – opt for food-grade polystyrene or polyolefin freezer containers while avoiding harmful plastics like Saran Wrap that release corrosive gases. Stable temperatures help prevent damaging expansion and contraction of materials over time.
For effective moisture control, maintain specific relative humidity levels based on metal type: keep iron below 15%, copper alloys under 35%, and lead below 35-55%. Wear clean cotton gloves when handling items to prevent damage from skin oils and salts.
Add silica gel packets inside containers and guarantee proper ventilation through small perforations. Store your finds in cool, stable environments away from direct light, magnets, and pollutants.
Sort artifacts by metal type and use labeled compartments for easy access and documentation.
Managing Environmental Controls
Maintaining precise environmental controls stands as the cornerstone of metal artifact preservation. You’ll need to focus on two critical factors: humidity control and temperature management.
Keep relative humidity between 30-55% using silica gel or desiccants in your storage units, and maintain stable temperatures between 18-22°C to prevent corrosion and mechanical stress.
You’ll want to monitor these conditions continuously using data loggers to catch any concerning changes quickly. Install HEPA filters to remove damaging particulates, and use activated charcoal to trap corrosive gases. Systematic documentation is essential for tracking environmental conditions and their effects on artifacts over time.
For highly sensitive pieces, you can create protective microclimates using specially designed display cases or storage containers. Remember to avoid rapid environmental fluctuations, as these can trigger condensation and accelerate deterioration of your finds. Objects with active corrosion require relative humidity below 20% for optimal preservation.
Protective Coatings and Surface Treatments
When selecting protective coatings for your metal detecting finds, you’ll need to carefully evaluate whether polymer-based options like epoxy and acrylic resins or specialized coatings like polyaniline best suit your artifacts’ specific metals and conditions.
Your application timing is critical, as coatings must be applied to properly cleaned and stabilized surfaces to guarantee maximum adhesion and protection.
For ideal coverage, you’ll want to match your application method to the artifact’s geometry – using spray techniques for flat, simple surfaces and brush application for complex shapes and edges.
Non-invasive imaging can help detect early warning signs of coating deterioration before visible damage occurs.
Recent studies indicate that damaging chemical reactions can occur between certain polymer coatings and iron-containing metal artifacts over time.
Choosing Right Coating Types
Selecting the appropriate protective coating for metal detecting artifacts requires careful consideration of both the metal type and intended preservation goals.
You’ll need to start with proper metal identification, as coating compatibility varies greatly between different metals.
For iron artifacts, you’ll want to choose microcrystalline waxes like Cosmoloid 80H, which provide superior vapor barriers and surface stabilization. These waxes should be applied by heating to 175°C and keeping artifacts submerged until all water vapor is eliminated.
If you’re preserving silver or copper-based items, acrylic lacquers such as Paraloid B-72 offer excellent transparency and protection against tarnishing. Different percentage solutions of Paraloid B-72, from 5% to 20%, can be used depending on the desired level of shine and protection.
However, be cautious with polymer resins on iron pieces, as they can actually accelerate corrosion over time.
For temporary protection, you can use WD-40, but don’t rely on it for long-term preservation.
Application Methods and Timing
Proper application timing and methods greatly impact the long-term effectiveness of protective coatings on metal detecting finds.
You’ll need to thoroughly clean and remove unstable corrosion before applying any treatment to prevent deterioration beneath the coating.
When applying protective layers, choose between spraying techniques for uniform coverage or brushing methods for artifacts with complex geometries.
For best results, apply multiple thin coats rather than a single thick layer, allowing each coat to dry completely.
If you’re using temporary barriers like WD-40, plan to reapply every two months.
For longer-lasting protection, apply rust converters and let them cure overnight before adding additional coatings.
Work in a controlled environment when using polymer coatings to prevent moisture contamination, and begin treatment soon after discovering your artifacts to minimize exposure damage.
Proper Handling Methods
You’ll need to wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves whenever handling metal detecting artifacts to prevent harmful oils and acids from your skin from causing corrosion or damage.
Keep physical contact with the artifacts to an absolute minimum, touching only when necessary for cleaning, documentation, or relocation.
When you must handle items, support them from their most stable points and avoid gripping decorative elements or fragile areas that could break or bend under pressure.
Clean Gloves When Handling
The consistent use of clean gloves represents a critical first line of defense when handling metal detecting finds.
When making your glove selection, opt for nitrile gloves as they offer superior chemical resistance and won’t trigger allergic reactions like latex alternatives. You’ll need to maintain a dedicated supply specifically for artifact handling to prevent cross-contamination.
For proper glove maintenance, change them whenever they become soiled or damaged, and avoid touching non-artifact surfaces while wearing them.
You’ll want to handle objects over padded surfaces, supporting them fully to prevent mechanical stress.
When you’re done, remove gloves carefully to avoid transferring contaminants back onto your hands or artifacts.
Remember to wash your hands after removal and store your finds in moisture-controlled environments using soft cloths or acid-free paper.
Avoid Direct Skin Contact
Beyond wearing protective gloves, maintaining strict protocols to avoid direct skin contact with artifacts represents a fundamental aspect of metal detecting preservation. Your skin’s natural oils, acids, and moisture can trigger rapid deterioration of metal surfaces, particularly on iron, copper, and brass items.
When excavating, you’ll need to employ specialized non-metallic tools with rounded edges, like plastic probes and small trowels, to safely extract finds without direct handling.
Once you’ve recovered an artifact, implement proper handling precautions by using soft padding materials and clean surfaces for stabilization. Avoid fingerprint contact, as these create localized corrosion spots.
You’ll want to quickly apply protective coatings and control the artifact’s environment to prevent degradation from any unavoidable skin contact during the recovery process.
Minimize Physical Contact Points
Three fundamental principles guide proper artifact handling during metal detecting: minimizing contact points, using appropriate tools, and maintaining stable support.
When extracting artifacts, you’ll need to focus on touch point reduction by removing surrounding soil gradually rather than digging large chunks. Support the object at its most stable points, typically the edges or base, while avoiding pressure on fragile areas.
You’ll want to use wooden or plastic tools rather than metal ones for careful soil removal around your find. Once exposed, transfer the artifact immediately to a padded surface or cushioned container.
During cleaning and examination, continue minimizing contact by using soft brushes and sponges. Pre-soak items to reduce necessary handling force, and always support artifacts from below rather than gripping their surfaces.
Common Preservation Mistakes to Avoid
While preserving metal detecting artifacts requires careful attention to detail, enthusiasts often make critical mistakes that can permanently damage their finds.
Don’t rush to clean your discoveries with harsh chemicals, metal brushes, or high heat, as these can strip away valuable patina and historical evidence. You’ll want to avoid storing items in direct sunlight or damp environments, and never keep different metal types together where they might react.
Aggressive cleaning and improper storage can destroy an artifact’s historical value – protect your finds with proper preservation methods.
Be cautious during initial recovery and cleaning – resist the urge to immediately wash or scrub items in the field. Instead of using tap water or undiluted acids, opt for distilled water and properly diluted solutions.
When in doubt about a significant find’s preservation, don’t hesitate to consult professional conservators. They’ll help guarantee you’re using appropriate techniques for specific metals and prevent irreversible damage to your artifacts.
Documentation and Record Keeping
Proper documentation forms the cornerstone of responsible metal detecting practice. You’ll need to record each find’s exact date, time, and GPS coordinates while in the field, using waterproof notebooks or digital tools to capture essential details immediately.
Create a systematic approach by assigning unique field specimen numbers to your artifacts and organizing them into clear categories like coins, jewelry, and relics. Take multiple photographs of each item before cleaning, and maintain detailed descriptions of materials, markings, and condition.
Store your records in both physical and digital formats, utilizing database software for easy searching and regular backups.
Don’t forget to document any historical research or interpretations you discover, but keep facts separate from assumptions. Share your findings with archaeological communities to contribute to broader historical understanding.
When to Seek Professional Conservation Help
Despite your best preservation efforts, certain metal detecting finds require professional conservation expertise to guarantee their long-term survival.
You’ll need expert help when your artifacts show active corrosion indicators like pale green powdery crusts on copper alloys, or when items remain unstable despite basic preservation attempts.
Seek professional artifact assessment for finds that are fragile, have loose plating or inlays, or contain composite materials where metal contacts organic elements.
When metal meets organic materials or shows signs of fragility, professional conservators can best assess and preserve these delicate artifacts.
You should also consult experts when dealing with unusual corrosion products, complex metal types requiring specialized chemical treatments, or items with significant archaeological value.
If you’re encountering high-humidity challenges or salt contamination issues, professionals can implement proper environmental controls and chemical stabilization methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if My Metal Detecting Find Has Historical Significance?
You’ll want to research historical records, examine artifact provenance, look for maker’s marks, analyze material composition, and consult experts. Complex designs and proximity to known heritage sites increase significance.
Should I Clean Coins Before Getting Them Professionally Appraised?
Don’t clean your coins before appraisal – cleaning methods typically reduce value and cause irreversible damage. Let professional appraisers evaluate them in their original state for the most accurate assessment and maximum worth.
Can I Restore Damaged Artifacts to Their Original Appearance?
You shouldn’t attempt complete restoration to original appearance. While you can use gentle restoration techniques for stabilization, preserving an artifact’s existing patina maintains its historical authenticity and collector value.
How Long Will Protective Coatings Last Before Needing Reapplication?
You’ll need to check protective coatings every 5-15 years, like a Civil War sword collector who monitors their Paraloid B-72 coating annually. Reapplication frequency depends on climate and exposure conditions.
What’s the Best Way to Transport Finds From Detecting Site Home?
You’ll need rigid, compartmentalized containers with protective packaging materials like bubble wrap. Transport your finds in waterproof boxes, individually wrapped, and use silica gel packets to control moisture during transit.
References
- https://ckgscoop.com/blogs/news/how-to-clean-and-preserve-your-finds
- https://detectorpower.com/blogs/metal-detectors/how-to-clean-metal-detector-finds
- https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/preventive-conservation/guidelines-collections/metal-objects.html
- https://treasurecoastmetaldetectors.com/blogs/news-1/how-to-identify-and-clean-your-metal-detecting-finds
- https://www.metaldetector.com/blogs/new_blog/care-preservation-of-relics-found-with-metal-detectors
- https://www.minelab.com/blog/article/how-to-clean-and-preserve-your-finds
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IESkSLENm9w
- https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/storage-metals.html
- https://www.battlefieldstrust.com/media/760.pdf
- https://modernmetaldetectors.com/blogs/news/how-to-maintain-your-metal-detector-for-long-lasting-performance
