Verdegris problem

C

cappi

Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
23
I have several sheaths that have brass rivets in them . Behind these rivets verdegris forms repeatedly. The sheaths are in a safe with an safe electric heating rod . The verdegris is carefully removed with a wooden toothpick , only to return months later. Any suggestion on how to prevent this reoccurance ?
 
The copper in the brass alloy is reacting to chemical elements (acetic acid) in the leather. It can be cleaned up now but, short of replacing the rivets with something other than brass (no copper), it's difficult to prevent entirely.
 
Would cleaning the rivets with a small amount of polish to remove all tarnish then applying a small amount of clear laquer with a model paintbrush help prevent it?
 
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It would, if you could get to the part down in the leather.
WD 40 seems to help prevent verdigris.
Assuming acidic tanning, I would THINK (that means I'm not sure) that soaking the general area around the snaps with ammonia (an alkali) should help.
 
The REAL Police used to have the problem when carried spare ammunition in belt loops..maybe a reason the autoloader is now a preferred LE duty firearm...nylon gear too.
 
The thought occurred to me, if some sort of grommets (plastic, nylon, rubber) were placed around the rivets, extending completely through the leather, that might help. That might sound pretty involved, the rivets would have to be removed & replaced. But, if you really want to maintain the sheath as it looks with the brass, it might be worthwhile. A leathersmith might do it for you. So long as the brass is touching the leather, the problem will likely persist.
 
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