Tawdry Tulwar.

[katana]

Hi Norman ,
it really depends on the type of paint. The hilt appears to be 'sprayed' ....so likely cellulose or acrylic ...spray 'thinners' on a cloth would probably work well ....mind bare hands though...this stuff removes natural oils from your skin (almost instantly) ....Oh and no smoking whilst you clean highly inflammable....although flames and heat will also do the trick (if you do decide to ignore the warning)

Nitromors (trade name), a paint stripper available from DIY stores will also do the trick but is likely to slightly discolour the surface of the metal below (caustic reaction lifts the paint, nasty stuff if you get it in your eyes and chemically burns your hands)....brush it on leave for a few minutes...the paint /varnish/lacquer will react and sort of 'bubble' , use a stiff nylon brush to rub off the paint....may need further treatment to remove 'stubborn areas' though.

Regards David

[Norman McCormick]

Hi David,
Thanks for the info. I'm thinking, from what you've said, regardless of which method of paint removal I use the metal will react to some degree or other. I suppose the first thing, after receipt, will be to post photos and get some opinions as to the age and quality of the piece as a whole and that may determine a particular approach. It looks as if it may be a nice piece but as we are all well aware sellers photos can be 'misleading' at times. Thanks again.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. I've had a particularly nasty run in with caustic soda so I'd be happy, if possible, to give anything along those lines a wide berth.

[katana]

Hi Norman,
when I said 'caustic' I should have said 'alkaline'. I suppose the effect on the metal surface would be akin to an etch with ,say, vinegar. The 'thinners' is a solvent and would not react with the metal, but can be a little messy, but it works extremely well. I have a Finnish Puukko which some fool had daubed with red paint (all over the curly birch handle.) Thinners and several cloths later, I easily removed the offending paint without damage to the birch Hope this clarifies things.

Regards David

[Pukka Bundook]

Hello Norman,

I think you got nice and lucky!!

I don't know if you can get a product over there called "Circa 1850 finish remover" (or something close to that)

I've found it works awfully well and doesn't even eat your hands. It doesn't discolour metal and removes most paint. I have used it on a gun painted gold all over, and on another painted black!
I just applied it pretty thick, let it sit a few minutes, then rubbed it with fine wire wool. Don't appear to have to wear gloves but it might be smart!

I once used Polly-stripper on something and got some in my eye, it felt like a cat was in there clawing to be out!

[Rick]

If you are going to use a solvent based remover you might want to protect the mastic that holds the blade in the hilt . There's always a chance it may soften along with the paint . You might want to melt a little paraffin wax and paint a few layers of it over the mastic .

I would think any decent gel type paint remover will do the trick quite well .
In the US that would mean 5F5 or Strypeeze .

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
Many thanks for all the suggestions, will talk later about the best way to go about paint removal. It arrived today so a quick few photos just now will take better ones later. Once again thanks for all the help.
My Regards,
Norman.

[katana]

Hi Norman,
looks to be a good recent Tulwar (20th C) crisply stamped as well. Quality of recent swords seems to vary enormously (especially the blades). Any idea as to the hilt being steel or brass ? Personally I think the hilt looks OK as it is ....but it would look much more traditional without the paint.

Regards David