Paint primer on old weapons?

M ELEY · 11th March 2012, 05:33 AM

Bringing this one up again to ask an important question. If one assumes the old red primer was put on the weapon later, would you remove it? If so, how can one remove the old stain without damaging the patina? Opinions? Suggestions? I was thinking perhaps a chemical paint remover? I'm a big fan of pineapple juice for ethno pieces, but that tends to "shine up" the iron and I don't want that...

G. McCormack · 12th March 2012, 04:44 AM

If anyone is interested in the technical side of modern and historical conservations techniques as they pertain to ferrous products, I'd highly recommend:

Iron and Steel: Corrosion, Colorants, Conservation by David Scott

An answer to M Eley, if I wanted to remove old pigments such as primers, I would begin with acetone. However, your mileage may vary. Cheers

M ELEY · 13th March 2012, 02:10 AM

Thanks for your response. Does acetone protect the patina? I know I can test it first, but that is a primary concern. I'll look for that reference also.
Mark

G. McCormack · 13th March 2012, 07:10 AM

Acetone will affect certain types of patinas. Organic fats and waxes, gums, shellacs, may become dissolved. Iron chlorides may be washed away. It should not affect iron corrosion products such as goethite and akaganeite. One nice feature is it helps truly dry iron objects, where washing in distilled water can still cause flash rusting. So, it may be an option for you to consider.

11th March 2012, 05:33 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Bringing this one up again to ask an important question. If one assumes the old red primer was put on the weapon later, would you remove it? If so, how can one remove the old stain without damaging the patina? Opinions? Suggestions? I was thinking perhaps a chemical paint remover? I'm a big fan of pineapple juice for ethno pieces, but that tends to "shine up" the iron and I don't want that...

12th March 2012, 04:44 AM	#2
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	If anyone is interested in the technical side of modern and historical conservations techniques as they pertain to ferrous products, I'd highly recommend: Iron and Steel: Corrosion, Colorants, Conservation by David Scott An answer to M Eley, if I wanted to remove old pigments such as primers, I would begin with acetone. However, your mileage may vary. Cheers

13th March 2012, 02:10 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Thanks for your response. Does acetone protect the patina? I know I can test it first, but that is a primary concern. I'll look for that reference also. Mark

13th March 2012, 07:10 AM	#4
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Acetone will affect certain types of patinas. Organic fats and waxes, gums, shellacs, may become dissolved. Iron chlorides may be washed away. It should not affect iron corrosion products such as goethite and akaganeite. One nice feature is it helps truly dry iron objects, where washing in distilled water can still cause flash rusting. So, it may be an option for you to consider.