TIL my brush technique on that Roman coin was totally wrong for 6 months

I was scrubbing dirt off a bronze coin from a local dig in Dover, but a retired curator pointed out I was actually damaging the patina with my stiff brush. He showed me a soft toothbrush and distilled water method that revealed details I'd been missing the whole time. Has anyone else accidentally ruined an artifact's surface before realizing the proper conservation method?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugo_craig4d ago

Toothbrushes can also scratch soft surfaces if you press too hard so not sure that's always better.

gray_roberts3d ago

Is that really a common issue though? I've been using an old toothbrush on my headlights for years and never noticed any scratches, your mileage may vary on softer plastics I guess.