Dog License, Tokens and Collars

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	How to Clean and Polish Metal Tokens, Dog Licenses & Brass Dog Collars Publication: DLTC - Summer 2003

	Cleaning and polishing your brass collars and any token or license is purely a subjective decision. Use caution and common sense when handling dug metal tokens or those that are weakened by corrosion. One way to assess the quality of a piece of metal is by dropping it from a height of 1” or less onto a hard wooden or plastic counter. If the sound that you hear is a high pitched “ping” it probably has stability and will most likely stand up to the vigors of polishing. If you hear a flat “thud” then the metal object is not sound and it probably already has a large amount of corrosion, a heavy , dark patina , cracking or pimpling and its appearance and definition may be obscured. A magnifying glass can offer you a close up view of the metal surface quality. NEVER ATTEMPT TO POLISH A WEAKENED OBJECT. A high percentage of pre-1920 dog licenses will be compromised somewhat, but surprisngly, many pre 1900 dog tags were very well made and can be polished to a high shine if desired. Tags and tokens with a large amount of visible metal type showing through whether it is copper, brass or aluminum are usually safe enough to polish. For a minimal enhancement of even the most corroded tags, or for you purists out there, I recommend placing a dab of mineral oil, orange oil , furniture polish or leather cream onto its surfaces and wiping off of any excess. This application will remove any obvious surface dirt and add a slight luster which makes the tags’ impressions more visible. If the tag was dug and has dirt in its crevices, you can apply shampoo with a toothbrush and rinse off. (all shampoos that i have ever tested had a ph of 7 or lower) If you desire a bit more shine to your tag, but not a completely restored , high polished look, I have had great success with a product called DeSolv-it contractors’ solvent, which is derived from citrus oil.If you rub it on your metal token a few times, it will impart a fresher look, yet still appear patinad and natural. To restore your tag to its original state, I highly recommend FLITZ metal polish.I discovered it at a boat show in Houston , Texas in 1991. I use it on ALL metals. I have conducted side by side comparison tests between FLITZ and other metal polishes-both liquid and pastes and it outperforms them all. It polishes brass, copper, silver, nickel, bronze ,pewter, chrome, platinum....and it does a super job on aluminum too. It safely removes tarnish, oxidation, tar, lime deposits and rust. A little amount goes a long way and is economical and environmentally friendly too! Follow these 2 steps for unequalled results. Step 1: Using a small amount of FLITZ concentrated metal polish, apply to the metal surface with a lint free linen towel or synthetic scrubbing pad. For a particularly resistant tarnish, you can safely use a #0000 very fine steel wool pad along with oil or polish. Rub in and wipe off with a clean towel. Repeat until desired sheen is accomplished. A heavy buildup of patina will take repeated applications. Your towel will be black with polish residue. This compound will provide protection from further oxidation for up to 6 months. If you are using your thumb and forefinger to clean the item, you must be careful because the heat from friction and the downward motion may bend or break a fragile tag. If in doubt, place metal tag between 2 linen towels and rub on a flat surface until oxidation dissapears. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE. Step 2:* Apply FLITZ wax protectant “very sparingly” to polished tag or metal collar. Let dry to a haze and buff with a soft cloth. This natural, carnauba wax based product will impart a smoother texture to your metal tags and tokens and protects for up to 6 months. I have seen tags that were sabatoged with sand blasting, acid application and scratched by the use of sand paper. Buffing wheels generate too much heat and are not recommended.