Good Ole' Bottles        

TYPE of BOTTLE Cleaning -

The method I use is the tumble method using cut copper and environmentally safe cutting and polishing compounds. 

OVERALL TIME of BOTTLE Cleaning -

Generally, the level and type of stain on a bottle are the primary factors  determining how long the bottle will need to be tumbled. 

Other factors depend on the physical makeup of the bottle itself, such as depth of fine scratches, bottle shape, and condition of embossing.  Bottles needing manual work such as pontiled bottles, bottles with hinge marks or external open bubbles will  take somewhat longer to complete.

The general rule of thumb is that a bottle should be able to be cleaned within 1-2 weeks given the cleaning process can be started right away. 

Work load may or may not play a role in calculating the return time of your bottle.  More accurate estimates of time will be made when the bottle has been received and manually inspected.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS - All cutting and polishing compounds are environmentally safe.

 So, what happens to your bottle after it's received at Good Ole' Bottles?

INSPECTIONS and PHOTOS -

Inspections are very important.  Your bottle will be inspected several times throughout the cleaning process.

The first inspection is right after the bottle has been received.  A complete visual inspection for stain level, scratches, chips, large bubbles, burst bubbles, and in general, 'tumbling worthiness'.   This inspection also includes using a magnifying glass to look for small fractures.

Next, high-definition photos cataloging 100% coverage of the bottle will be taken.  Sometimes photos will identify a tiny crack or chip not detected by other means.  (It is highly recommended that the customer thoroughly inspect and take their own set of photos prior to shipping their bottle for cleaning).

Next, an email will be sent to you with bottle conditions, specific problems highlighted, and an attached file containing your estimate of charges.   When all questions and concerns are resolved...

...the tumbling begins!  Along with more inspections.  For as long as the bottle needs to be tumbled, inspections are performed at regular intervals. Intervals can range anywhere from 12-hours to 48-hours depending on the type of cleaning being done.

Lastly, a final inspection is done along with another set of photos to catalog the bottle condition after the cleaning process is completed.

 RISK

There is always a certain amount of risk involved when you submit your bottle(s) for cleaning.

Even with the most careful procedures and attention to detail there is always a chance a bottle could unfortunately become broken during the tumbling process.

The best rule to follow is this...Do Not present a bottle for cleaning if you are in any way unsure that you do not want to take the risk.

All bottles are cleaned at the owner's risk.