Jonty Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 I’m after some advice on how I could possibly remove a galvanised coating form a sword. We’ve inherited some Persian swords, a helmet and a shield from my in-laws. For whatever reason, their predecessors had them galvanised by the look of it (the in laws account was they were taken somewhere and dipped to stop them rusting) - when you see the detail on the shield it was tantamount to a criminal act! I’d like to maybe start restoring them to their former glory, or at least make them look better if I can. I’ve read about using mild acids or using a belt grinder, but my knowledge of metalwork is pretty minimal - if there is anyone in the PW collective with some advice or suggestions, I’d be very grateful. I’m not expect-ting to make them mint, but better then they look at the moment would be nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumpy69 Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 Not on this scale but if im removing galvanising or zinc coating from screws I drop them in a jar full of standard vinegar and a couple of hours later the coating is gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgan Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 Has it actually been properly galvanised. It looks more like aerosol spray on cold galvanising whuch should come off with paint stripper and a brass brush. . Dont try and sand it off as you will ruin any collectors value. They look interesting, better quality than the tourist swords they used to sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokersmith Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 Looks like a nice project, hopefully the advice works and you can reveal the craftsmanship 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 Amazing what vinegar will do sometimes, no harm in trying that first. DO NOT use abrasives as it will ruine them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hodge911 Posted November 10, 2021 Report Share Posted November 10, 2021 (edited) Not known but will electrolysis not do the job ? Just found this Edited November 10, 2021 by hodge911 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonty Posted November 11, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2021 (edited) 13 hours ago, morgan said: Has it actually been properly galvanised. It looks more like aerosol spray on cold galvanising whuch should come off with paint stripper and a brass brush. . Dont try and sand it off as you will ruin any collectors value. They look interesting, better quality than the tourist swords they used to sell. Thanks Morgan, all I know is I was told they ‘were taken to work and dipped in a tank’ - probably 50 years ago. I’m most disappointed about the shield, you can see all of the intricate designs on it - what a crying shame. Thanks for all the suggestions chaps - looks like weak acid is. I may have a try on some wriggly tin first, just to see what happens. Thanks again. Edited November 11, 2021 by Jonty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strimmer_13 Posted November 27, 2021 Report Share Posted November 27, 2021 How did you get on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted November 27, 2021 Report Share Posted November 27, 2021 yeah we want an update please and pictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonty Posted January 19, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2022 On 27/11/2021 at 19:55, strimmer_13 said: How did you get on? On 27/11/2021 at 20:30, ditchman said: yeah we want an update please and pictures Sorry chaps, not got round to it yet. I will update as and when I make a start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 20, 2022 Report Share Posted January 20, 2022 On 11/11/2021 at 00:53, Jonty said: Thanks Morgan, all I know is I was told they ‘were taken to work and dipped in a tank’ - probably 50 years ago. I’m most disappointed about the shield, you can see all of the intricate designs on it - what a crying shame. Thanks for all the suggestions chaps - looks like weak acid is. I may have a try on some wriggly tin first, just to see what happens. Thanks again. Hello, that's about right on the Galv tanks, no elf and safety back then, crappy face mask and pint of milk, 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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