Alright, so I was doing some research on the method demonstrated in the video I referenced earlier. I will test tomorrow, but I honestly think it will work
better than the lye solution. I'll state my primary reason.
The reason the lye works is because the fabric based paper of money isn't affected by the extremely basic properties of lye, yet the metal ink is. The pH of lye is 12.4, basic is 7 maximum possible is 14. So that is obviously extremely basic, thus it dissolves the ink.
The Purp1e Power industrial degreaser pH is 13.3 at full concentration and 12.2 at 10% degreaser, 90% water. So at full concentration, logically it will work better than lye mixed with water.
Also, the pH will drop in the lye solution because it is mixed with water. Also, using a pre-made solution such as Purp1e power removes any possibility of adding too much/too little lye and is convenient.
Sources:
pH of purp1e power
Google Viewer
ph of lye
pH and alkalinity
I'll report on my findings.
@boston boy, I'll shoot you a PM on monday (it's saturday night here) of a good looking $50 and a brand new $100 bill. I used to have scans but I deleted them for some reason.