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-----Removing Gold Spray Paint from Pewter
I have a 140 yr. old pewter figurine that my grandmother felt compelled to paint gold. How can I restore it back safely?
Debora Chelson- Prescott, Arizona, USA
2001
2001
Deborah !
Be careful! Only use a solvent. Don't, please DON'T use any chrome polish or other 'cleaners' as you'll remove the patina of many years.
I, too, have an old pewter piece, a mug from around l795. Compared to other and later pewter mugs, it has a real dark dull appearance (shine is the wrong word) ... and even some of the markings on the lip have been worn away drinkers ... who are now all dead !
I would visit, if I may suggest, a local paint store and ask them to try out a dab of one of their solvents before you buy any ... you may have to acquire a lacquer solvent ... in which case why not try first of all some of your clear nail polish remover, sic. acetone ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] Flammable! .
'tis certainly a case of Caveat Emptor ! CHEERS
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
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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.