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Restoring Old Kerosene Lanterns

I have an old kerosene lantern that is rusty. I would like to restore it. How do I go about this?

Liz Robley
Minnesota
2003

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If it's rusty it's probably tin or thin steel of some sort other than copper or bronze. Give the old standby a try. naval jelly ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] . Stuff is great. Just follow the directions. A light 00 steel wool ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] afterwards should do the trick. Repaint with high temperature paint [affil link] or stove paint ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] . Good luck.

Sthpaw

Robert Barone
- So. Plainfield, New Jersey
2006

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July 12, 2008

I recently purchased reproduction tin lanterns with lovely antique brown rubbed finish. We use them for re-enactments 1730-1790. They began rusting after being outside for a week! How do I restore them...and then preserve them for outdoor use ?

Cecile Zani
tin finishing - Hopkinton, Mass.

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Hi, Cecile. You can try the rust converter ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] , then follow with a clearcoat.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
July 14, 2008

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.