How to deal with lead rot

[maxxon]

Faced with this problem, I've done some experimentation and written an article about it.

This is a short summary. Full article is here: http://www.smallcuts.net/articles/leadrot.jsp

Faced with rot like this:


I decided to tackle the issue and see what works.

After tumbling:


Some parts needed tougher handling: I tried wire brushes and finally scalpel work:



Then I primed the parts and waited for a year to see if any problems would develop:


Nothing was evident, so I proceeded to finish painting as normal:


To summarize:

- remove rot physically
- fix damage
- prime and paint as normal

[Metternich]

The other key is storage.  Lead rot develops more readily in totally enclosed cabinets without air flow.

[Gracchus Armisurplus]

Is it a surface reaction thing? Does painting the model prevent the issue?

[maxxon]

Is it a surface reaction thing? Does painting the model prevent the issue?

I would say so.

As I said in the article, I could observe no further rot in the one year observation period after priming the models.

It's quite possible that eliminating the conditions that cause rot will stop the progress -- just like rust doesn't advance by itself.

I haven't seen examples myself, but I've read that problems with museum models often start with unpainted base bottoms. That provides a contact surface with air and then the rot works itself up under the paint -- just like your car starts rusting from the scratch in the paint.

[The Dozing Dragon]

Recieved a few minis recently that have advanced rot where I've had to cut out large amount of metal. Very frustrating 

[Metternich]

Painting certainly helps, as it seals in the metal so it can't react with the environment.

[traveller]

Cold storage seems to be a problem as well. Keep your minis close to you 

[Gracchus Armisurplus]

So a painted and based miniature should be ok?

[traveller]

So a painted and based miniature should be ok?

If kept in room temperature....I had painted RAFM miniatures rotting after stored in garage