You’ll need to photograph your finds with measurement tools and record GPS coordinates before any cleaning begins. For copper and bronze, soak in distilled water then apply citric acid paste, while silver requires only soap and warm water. Iron items benefit from Evapo-Rust or vinegar soaks followed by rust inhibitors. Store all artifacts in airtight containers with silica gel, wrapped in acid-free tissue, and keep them away from UV light and humidity fluctuations. The sections below provide specific protocols for each metal type and preservation technique.
Key Takeaways
- Document finds immediately with photos, measurements, GPS coordinates, and environmental conditions before beginning any cleaning process.
- Remove rust from iron using Evapo-Rust, vinegar soaks, or electrolysis with washing soda solution followed by protective coatings.
- Clean copper and bronze with distilled water and citric acid; silver with soap and water; gold with simple soapy water.
- Apply microcrystalline wax, clear lacquer, or hermetic sealants after cleaning to protect artifacts from future corrosion and deterioration.
- Store items in airtight containers with silica gel in stable, cool, dark environments using acid-free wrapping materials.
Document Your Discoveries Before Beginning Any Cleaning Process
Before you begin any cleaning or preservation work on your metal detecting finds, establish an exhaustive documentation protocol that captures every detail of your discovery.
Photograph each item in its as-found condition using measurement tools for scale reference.
Capture detailed photographic evidence of every artifact immediately upon discovery with rulers or coins positioned alongside for accurate scale documentation.
Record GPS coordinates, soil depth, and surrounding environmental factors.
Document detection equipment settings that located each artifact.
Implement a sequential numbering system with dated entries in waterproof materials.
Your significance assessment requires cross-referencing historical maps, property records, and archaeological databases before proceeding.
Legal considerations mandate verification of reporting requirements through local authorities and historical societies.
If you discover artifacts at Native American burial sites, immediately cease all activities and report the find to appropriate authorities.
Store records separately from physical finds, maintaining duplicate backup systems.
Consult with older community members or historical society contacts who may provide valuable context about the site’s history and potential significance of your finds.
This methodological approach protects your autonomy while preserving provenance data essential for future research or authentication needs.
Basic Cleaning Approaches for Different Metal Types
Understanding the chemical makeup of your recovered artifacts determines which cleaning protocols you’ll apply to preserve rather than damage these finds. You’ll achieve ideal results through measured intervention rather than aggressive techniques like electrolytic cleaning or laser cleaning, which risk destroying historical patinas and surface details.
Metal-specific protocols include:
– Copper/Bronze: Start with distilled water soaking,
progress to 0.5-1% citric acid for contamination,
or use precipitated chalk paste for oxidation.
– Silver: Apply soap and warm water initially,
then washing soda solution with aluminum foil for sterling pieces only—never on plated items.
– Gold: Simple soapy water restores luster effectively;
jeweler’s rouge polishes alloys without sulfur compound exposure.
– Iron/Steel: Remove surface rust using fine bronze wool with mineral spirits before applying protective coatings.
Always employ soft tools, distilled water, and nitrile gloves. Iron objects require careful handling techniques due to their susceptibility to rapid oxidation and structural degradation.
Post-cleaning microcrystalline wax application provides long-term protection while maintaining artifact integrity.
Removing Rust and Corrosion From Iron Finds
Alternatively, rust removal chemicals offer targeted solutions. Evapo-Rust reacts exclusively with iron oxide, preserving sound metal where electrolysis would cause pitting.
Apple cider vinegar provides economical overnight soaks.
Sodium citrate—created from 200g citric acid and 126g baking soda in 2L water—forms a chelating agent that bonds with rust iron, lifting corrosion without acidic aggression.
For electrolysis setups, mix washing soda into water at 1 tablespoon per 2 gallons to create an effective electrolyte solution. Monitor the ammeter readings to ensure proper current flow during the process.
Post-treatment demands immediate water displacement and rust inhibitor application.
Treating Copper, Brass, and Precious Metal Objects
Copper and brass artifacts present distinct preservation challenges that require gentler intervention than iron-based finds. Understanding ancient metallurgy and metal alloy composition guides your treatment approach.
For simple oxidation, you’ll create a paste using two parts denatured alcohol, two parts distilled water, and precipitate chalk. Alternatively, fine bronze wool with mineral spirits addresses surface-level corrosion effectively.
Gold discoveries typically need minimal intervention—soapy water restores their original luster. However, assess value before any treatment, as patina often enhances historical significance. Silver items should be cleaned with distilled water and a soft brush to avoid scratching the surface.
Protection methods include:
- Clear lacquer or light wax for corrosion prevention
- Oil-resin varnish for museum-grade preservation
- Arteseal for hermetic sealing with 25-year effectiveness
The sealing product should be applied in thin layers using an artist brush to ensure even coverage and prevent pooling, which helps achieve optimal preservation results. Always test methods on inconspicuous areas first.
Store cleaned items individually in archival materials within cool, dry environments to maintain their integrity long-term.
Proper Storage Methods to Prevent Future Deterioration
After you’ve cleaned and treated your metal detecting finds, improper storage will undo all preservation efforts within months. Corrosion demands oxygen and moisture—eliminate both through humidity management using silica gel with indicator strips in airtight containers.
Proper storage protects your finds from corrosion by eliminating oxygen and moisture using silica gel in sealed, humidity-controlled containers.
Avoid basements and attics where fluctuating conditions cause expansion, contraction, and microcracks.
Light protection requires dark storage; ultraviolet rays accelerate oxidation, fading, and coating loss. Store finds in closed containers away from direct sunlight.
Wrap each item individually in acid-free tissue paper or cloth to prevent scratching. Never use plastic bags that trap moisture.
Medicine containers with cotton balls work for coins; shallow compartmentalized trays organize larger finds.
Select archival-quality materials for valuable pieces. Maintain stable temperatures away from heating devices. Keep your digging tools clean after recovery sessions to prevent cross-contamination of stored artifacts with soil residue.
This systematic approach ensures your discoveries remain intact for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Equipment Should I Wear When Cleaning Metal Detecting Finds?
You’ll need protective gloves to shield against sharp edges and chemicals, plus safety goggles to prevent eye irritation from particles and solutions. Add respiratory protection when using chemical cleaners, and wear an apron for complete coverage.
How Do I Determine if My Find Requires Professional Conservation Services?
Like King Tut’s treasures, you’ll need professional conservation when your find exceeds 100 years old, shows archaeological significance, requires specialized restoration techniques, or demands controlled preservation environments. Federal laws protect artifacts on public lands—consult experts immediately.
Can Electrolysis Damage Valuable Artifacts if Settings Are Incorrect?
Yes, electrolysis risks severe artifact preservation damage through incorrect settings. You’ll destroy surfaces with wrong electrode placement, lose details on corroded coins, and cause irreversible metal degradation. Unregulated current density prevents proper restoration while potentially creating hazardous chemical reactions.
What Insurance or Legal Considerations Apply to Historically Significant Discoveries?
You’ll need professional appraisals and agreed-value insurance coverage for historically significant finds. Legal compliance requires documenting provenance, reporting treasures per local laws, and obtaining certificates before transferring artifacts. Maintain detailed inventories protecting your discovery rights.
How Should I Dispose of Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals Safely After Use?
Under RCRA regulations, you’ll find proper chemical disposal requires taking hazardous waste to designated collection sites. Don’t pour metal polishes or solvent-based cleaners down drains—contact your local environmental agency for safe disposal options.
References
- https://detectorpower.com/blogs/metal-detectors/how-to-clean-metal-detector-finds
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZxdcwlfLg4
- https://www.metaldetector.com/blogs/new_blog/care-preservation-of-relics-found-with-metal-detectors
- https://treasurecoastmetaldetectors.com/blogs/news-1/how-to-identify-and-clean-your-metal-detecting-finds
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HNkEKrcVWA
- https://www.highplainsprospectors.com/blogs/metal-detecting-topics/how-to-properly-clean-and-preserve-metal-detector-finds-part-2-stages-of-the-cleaning-and-preservation-process
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/storing-your-finds.86356/
- https://thetreasureman.com/2020/01/30/research-techniques-for-treasure-hunters/
- https://kellycodetectors.com/blog/treasure-hunting-guide/
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/68815
