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Old Japanning Paint Recipe wanted

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I am trying to replicate the old japanning paint found on many antique tools. This type of finish was originally baked on, and is often referred to as Japan Black. One of the ingredients was aphaltum. I am looking for either a source of finished product, or a formula and some guidance to acquiring the raw materials and mixing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Walled Lake, MI 48390

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Tim, try these web sites:

http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/nlindsey/restoration/Restoration.htm [Ed. note, link no longer works]

http://www.ecrios.com

Dave D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Pensacola, Florida, USA

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I restore antique cars as a hobby and have heard of japaning. In fact, 1924 was the last year japaned finishes were used on the Buick. 1925 was the first year they used Proxlin Lacquer. According to the books I've read about those old cars, japaning was a pigmented varnish. The fenders and splash aprons were always dipped with black paint (most likely japaned), but the bodies were sprayed the color for the specific body style and later the body was attached to the chassis which already had the fenders, etc. installed. (By 1928, most manufacturers allowed customers to choose from among 4 color schemes.) This same assembly technique was used by Ford and most other manufacturers at the time up until unibody construction.

Howard Eckstein
- Orem, Utah, USA

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I have collected several old Stanley wood planes made of cast iron. I would like to put a new coating of Japan Black on them. I cannot find the lacquer or varnish anywhere. Does anyone have the recipe?

Dick Partin
hobbyist - Valparaiso, IN, USA