[dande2222]

Sorry if this information is listed somewhere on this site. I am new. I have not been able to find any conclusive information on the short term, long term or over all benefits of mineral oil (or natural hand oils) on chips.


I have seen pictures of what mineral oil can do on poker chips. Some people here like the difference (clearer, brighter colors) some people don't (they seem to like the chalky faded colors instead).

However, there seems to be mixed beliefs on other benefits:

Feel- some say slick others like the broken in feel.
Sound- some believe there is a sound difference some don't
Color transfer- some say it helps prevent color transfer others disagree.

Given there are different opinions out there is there any conclusive information that mineral oil is good for poker chips (especially compression molded poker chips)? Short term? Long term?

Any threads, web sites, or new information would be appreciated.

[jojobinks]

Originally Posted by dande2222

Given there are different opinions out there is there any conclusive information that mineral oil is good for poker chips (especially compression molded poker chips)? Short term? Long term?

no, there isn't. i don't knock 'em for it, but i think people only oil their chips b/c it's quality time with something they love. me? i just shuffle 'em while watching tv or playing online. they're breaking in just fine and will one day be as oily and grubby as casino chips. i'm in no rush to get there, though.

[Wylecoyo]

I agree with jojo on this. The benefit of oiling is in the eye of the beholder and, with the noted exception of ASM chips, I have not seen an perceivable difference which would make me think oiling my chips would be worth the time and effort required. I prefer to let time and mother nature do the work for me.

[tomb1]

Originally Posted by dande2222

Given there are different opinions out there is there any conclusive information that mineral oil is good for poker chips (especially compression molded poker chips)?

One thing to remember is that ONLY real clay chips (compression molded chips made from a porous material) need oiling. Anything else -- plastic chips, ceramic chips, Bud Jones/Matsuis, Nexgens, faux clays, etc. -- would be worse for oiling.

[dande2222]

I appreciate the information. Anyone else?

[yeltzen]

I oiled my Pharaoh's and I dunno if it's "good" for my chips, but it made them look better. Problem is that they're incredibly slick now. Hopefully this goes away with time, but I don't know.

[_Z_]

Originally Posted by dande2222

I appreciate the information. Anyone else?

fwiw-

I've traded in my mineral oil, and am now washing chips with a dash of lanolin in my bottle of softsoap. Have done this for a few cycles now with decent results so far. It doesn't color the ASM's quite as nicely as mineral oil does, but it doesn't make them as slick either. The JB2005's and Trademarks color a bit more also, but not as dramatic. The lanolin's benefits seem to 'stick' to the chip a little longer as well, though I have no concrete data to support this claim- yet. And it seems to offer no benefit whatsoever to ceramics, and definately not to plastic composites.

Before trying it though, determine whether you- or anyone else that would be handling the chips doesn't have a dermatological reation to lanolin. Some people are sensitive to it....

[DEEJAY]

One of the benefits of oiling your chips-------your fingers will be sensitive to the touch.

[Neutron Jack]

I tried mineral oil and was NOT pleased with the feel (and it was tough to control the amount I was putting on), then I tried baby oil gel... much better. The colors pop, and a significantly noticable difference in the oiliness(?) that faded away as it soaked in, leaving the colors still bright.

Jack

[ky70]

1 word: lubricant