Recent content by Stan Cox

Yes, very interesting. Apparently, I should shoot for slightly alkaline to account for the CO2 in the air - if I want it to last hundreds of years! :)

Yes. I had forgotten about the factors you mentioned regarding the aquariums. I did learn another helpful trick regarding coffee; apparently, cold brewed coffee is significantly less acidic than the more common hot brewed. According to one source, hot water releases the acid within the bean...

All very good to know! And the even better news is: No smoking The room in which I display my ships is pretty free of direct sunlight (only in the evening hours). I live in a place where the prevailing winds blow toward the nearest city - 35 miles away!

Couple of very interesting notes. Awesome responses! I had not even entertained the notion that the hue may change with the pH. Perhaps the pH shouldn't be a consideration after all. I'm getting more convinced that the comments regarding long-term degradation may be more a product of...

Hi! I don't know much about chemistry but was hoping that some of you guys could help me with a quick question. I build wooden model ships of sail as a hobby. One "trick" for giving sails and rope an aged look is to dip them in coffee or tea and let the tannin dye the materials. The problem...