How to get rid of discolored protective waxy(?)layer on keris blades?

[Green]

Rick;

If it is any of those material, how can I get rid of it?

[Green]

Gavin;

If I want to try with citric bath, what is the dilution and how long I should keep it in?

I fear that the acid may corrode the edges of the blade.

[A. G. Maisey]

Before you try the suggestions below go to the kitchen sink and try scrubbing with hot water, dishwash detergent & a hard toothbrush.

Light acid baths are used to get rid of rust, mineral turpentine will remove wax, methelated spirits will remove old fashioned shellac, there are various types of varnish, paint stripper will remove most old types.

I suggest you start with the turps, if that doesn't work use metho, if metho doesn't work go to paint stripper.

Paint strippers are nasty substances, read & follow the instructions on the container it comes in.

For all three work slowly and carefully, demount hilt first.

[Green]

Alan;

I'll give it a try with the hot water and detergent first but I doubt it will come off.

I may go with methelated spirit if that don't work out .

[GIO]

you can try with Nitro solvent.

[milandro]

I have had 3 times lacquered krises in my possession and I have had great results with boiling water. In fact I boiled the whole kris (blade alone obviously!) in salty water (it increases the boiling point temperature). It takes only few minutes and you see small bubbles forming under the lacquer. A soft brush (old toothbrush) removes the lacquer.


I spoke about this in a thread I created


http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28617

[Green]

Many thanks for this Milandro.
I will try this (same as Alan's suggestion) . Failing which I'll try the chemicals next.

And thanks for the link too.