Oiling China Clays (1 Viewer)

[r_g285]

I know there are mixed opinions on this, but what are everyone's opinions on oiling China clays? I seem to have had success just wiping down the initial chalky dust with a damp towel but I'm curious if oiling will add a bit of vibrancy to China clays, specifically Majestics.

 

[jamesjkim]

Yes. Oil away. Few different methods. I found oil bath works well (majority water). Saves the fingers and is just as effective IMO. No need to dust off the chips in advance either.

 

[Machine]

Edit: redacted due to accuracy issues

 

[jamesjkim]

On the contrary. China clays take oil very well.

 

[Himewad]

While called China Clay it is plastic, it will not absorb any of the oil. I would never oil my ceramics.

If you do, I would suggest a small sample first.

I have a large set of CC Royal chips, and I oiled mine pretty liberally. I definitely think they absorbed some of that oil. Otherwise, the racks would be all gross.

I still give the edges a wipe every now and then, just to keep them fresh, because they definitely dry out over time.

Whatever the material composition is, they do respond well to oiling them. The CC Royals, at least.

 

[ChippinUp]

Here’s a picture of some Royals I recently acquired on PCF for a custom label project I’m working on.

Not the best light but you can clearly see a HUGE difference between the oiled chips Vs non oiled.

 

[ChippinUp]

Maybe a better close up

 

[ChippinUp]

Can’t say I particularly enjoy oiling chips… I will say tho that the Paulsons seemed to certainly take the oil better especially on the edges.

The royals really pop after some mineral oil

 

[improviseallday]

Left barrel: before water-oil bath
Right barrel: after water-oil bath

(Apache method)

 

[jamesjkim]

Left barrel: before water-oil bath
Right barrel: after water-oil bath

(Apache method)

View attachment 1225924

Water-oil bath is the only way for china clays.

 

[Himewad]

Water-oil bath is the only way for china clays.

 

[ChippinUp]

Water-oil bath is the only way for china clays.

I’ll have to try the water oil bath next time. I used a microfibre cloth with mineral oil and went one chip at a time. Happy with the results but will try this method next time.

 

[jpoppaaa]

Just used the “Apache method” with water bath and mineral oil on my Pharaoh set. You can really notice the difference on the .25, $25 and $100 chips. The whites still look sort of dusty. The first two pictures are before and the next three are after. Let’s see how long it lasts!

 

[ValueTown]

I oiled my majestic chips. I went light with the oil. I feel like they did ok, but need more oil. The vibrant pop isn't holding.

 

[Bronson]

Just used the “Apache method” with water bath and mineral oil on my Pharaoh set. You can really notice the difference on the .25, $25 and $100 chips. The whites still look sort of dusty. The first two pictures are before and the next three are after. Let’s see how long it lasts!

Does this bath did not affected labels anyhow? Nothing peeled off?

 

[triton]

Does this bath did not affected labels anyhow? Nothing peeled off?

I’ve oiled about 500 Royals now with no peeling issues. Opinions on the best way to do this will likely differ until the end of time, but here are some pics of mine to show that oil is definitely absorbed. Top pink oiled, bottom pink not oiled

 

[Bronson]

Definitely looks fresher and cleaner. I’ll have a go when my pharaohs will arrive.

One more thing, will they live any residue after oiling and wiping? Stains on mat or hands?

 

[upNdown]

I think it’s damn near the definition of insanity.
I’ve only oiled clays, so I can only comment on oiling chips, not specifically China clays. But oiling chips is a pain in the butt and the results are temporary. And let’s face it, most of our guests barely notice the chips anyway, so don’t do it to impress them.
As gross as it sounds, chips will absorb sweat and oils from your hands, so playing your chips regularly will have a similar effect to oiling. But what is that effect? Brighter colors when photographed under optimal conditions? I suppose. But is it noticible while playing with them under typical conditions? Maybe if you’re looking for it. I dunno. Not sure I want to play under that much light.

Do it if you want, but for the love of everything holy, don’t feel like you should.

 

[Bronson]

Impressing others is my least concern to be honest. If you could look at this picture of that pink royal above you’ll see that white residue inside crown, chalk, talcum or whatever it is it’s driving me crazy. Chips with this looks dusty and dirty for me.

I know this great lustre would not last forever and I’m not really bothered. Just want them clean.

 

[EastCoastCali]

Is there a timeline on how often you should oil them so they don't dry out? Or is it completely preference and just visual benefit?

 

[allforcharity]

Is there a timeline on how often you should oil them so they don't dry out? Or is it completely preference and just visual benefit?

Completely preference. If you are doing a deep clean cycle, then oil afterward.

 

[BGinGA]

Is there a timeline on how often you should oil them so they don't dry out? Or is it completely preference and just visual benefit?

We just keep a small dipping cup on the poker table, which gets passed around whenever a player thinks chips in his stack needs a quick dunk/refresh.

Takes all the pressure off the host, who has more important duties requiring his attention.

 

[Tronicity]

Here’s a picture of some Royals I recently acquired on PCF for a custom label project I’m working on.

Not the best light but you can clearly see a HUGE difference between the oiled chips Vs non oiled.View attachment 1220859

Holy cow, I just got a brand new Royals set and those colors POP. I love it. Oiling asap

 

[Tronicity]

Holy cow, I just got a brand new Royals set and those colors POP. I love it. Oiling asap

Update

 

[LZM]

Here is my experience with the Dunes using Apache’s method.

 

[Dagon]

I’ve oiled my Dunes as well

 

[JerSaint22]

Wow this is eye opening, the after pics are so dramatically nicer!

 

[dylanthepiguy2]

is it just me or do the oiled royals actually look more plasticy (especially the dark blue)

 

[Meowerdoom]

I have half my Pharaohs oiled and half not - the difference is so noticeable it's kinda insane. (I'll get around to oiling the other half eventually)

 

[Coyote]

Be careful with the quantity of "mineral oil" in the US or "laxative" in Europe, which raises even more eyebrows in pharmacies, on the Continent.

Just HALF of a teaspoon MAXIMUM on a clean shoe-shine sponge for every 5 barrels (20-chip columns) of chips, on their rolling edges. Too much oil can enter the inlays and ruin them.

Then, you wipe the excess oil from each barrel with a soft cloth, and with the now slightly oiled soft micro-fiber cloth, you wipe the faces of chips, avoiding the inlays.

If you have too many sets, and the poor chips don't hit the felt regularly, you 'll notice their thirst, and re-oil every 3 or 4 years.

NOT appliccable to "ceramics" and plastic chips.
Unnecessary and risky for unused Paulsons.
Imperative for brand-new CPCs, after a nice lukewarm shower in a salad spinner.