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The following cleaning tips and visual examples of before and after cleaning were
shared with the on-line Buttonbytes community in early 2009. Janet White posted
the information and pointed out that the tips were based on Sallie Gibson's
workshop at the 2008 National Button Society Show in Appleton, Wisconsin. Sallie
has given a number of presentations on cleaning buttons, including the use of a
rotary hobby tool (such as Dremel). Both Janet and Sally graciously ageed to allow
their materials to be published on this website.

Tools and Materials:
Large carton with front cut out and lift-off top, to contain operation
Dust mask, protective glasses, rubber/synthetic gloves
Uncoated wire and or hemostat to hold button while polishing
Wood block for work surface
Penetrating oil/rust remover (WD-40 is one)
Buffing compounds appropriate for metals and plastics
Renaissance Wax to coat after cleaning-- retards rust, tarnish
Variable speed rotary hobby tool (such as Dremel)
Silicone wheels: black(medium), blue(fine), pink(very fine)
Felt wheel
Muslin wheel
Radial bristle brushes (3M product, NOT wire brushes)

To Begin:
If possible, grasp button shank with hemostat; otherwise use uncoated
wire through holes in button or button shank. Grasp wire firmly with
hemostat, lock, and then ground the button on a sturdy surface, such as a
block of wood, to avoid having the button become airborne when the
rotary hobby tool is applied.

To Polish Shell Buttons:
~Always wear a mask, as dust is harmful.
~Use blue silicone wheel to grind off oxidation.
~Buff with muslin wheel and white buffing compound (or other compound
made for plastics).
~Use Windex to remove buffing compound, wipe dry.

To Polish Plastics (including Bakelite, casein, horn,
composition, rubber and celluloid):
~Use muslin wheel with white buffing compound (or other compound
made for plastics). Do not use on painted or coated surfaces.
~Use light pressure and avoid build up of heat—Important.
~When necessary to clean metal on plastic button, mask off plastic areas
and clean metal first (with felt wheel), then remove masking and clean
plastic.

To Remove Rust From Steel or Metal Buttons:
~Treat the rust with penetrating rust remover, soaking overnight in sturdy
plastic bag.
~Remove rust with black silicone wheel.
~Re-polish steel with felt wheel and buffing compound for metal in general
or specific to steel. Heat build-up may damage or melt pewter. Use caution
handling button.
~Use Windex to remove buffing compound; wipe dry.
~Coat the button with a light layer of “Renaissance Wax” and lightly rub
with a cloth in order to retard oxidation.

To Clean Metal Other Than Steel:
~Use felt wheel with red buffing compound (or compound made for
general metals), avoiding cleaning near tints, paint, fabric or pastes. Felt
wheel causes heat build-up; use caution handling button.
~Clean with Windex and wipe dry.

Cautions:
Using the rotary hobby tool with felt wheel on metals will result in heat
build-up that might damage some metals (pewter in particular).

Use caution when handling the button after polishing.

The rotary hobby tool may stress a weakened button causing its parts to
separate, or the shank to detach from the button. Start with a slow speed
and try to keep the polishing wheel on the top surface of the button, rather
than the edge of the button.

Sources:
Variable speed rotary hobby tool and muslin/felt disks: Sears (Craftsman),
Lowes (Dremel), Home Depot (Black and Decker)
Penetrating Rust Remover: “Liquid Wrench” at auto parts stores
Polishing compounds: LARGE bar fromMcMaster-Carr T/N562-692-5911
(#4801A2 for plastic $6.67; #4786A3 for metals $5.67; #4784A2 for steel
$10.33). Most Home Depot and Lowes stores.
Rio Grande also offers polishing compounds and the silicone polishing
wheels, but requires a resale number. (800-545-6566)
Renaissance Wax: “Woodcraft” Stores - www.woodcraft.com