Preping old lead miniatures before painting

[Maxromek]

Hi guys,

So I just got some old Ral Partha orcs from ebay. They were stripped from paint but the lead is covered with what I believe to be a layer of oxidation. Is there something I need to do to get rid of the oxidation before painting or can I just go with a primer over it?

The photo is taken from the auction and it's not the best, I will try to get a better one tonight when I'm back home.


If this topic should go to a different part of the forum, just please move it.

Cheers,
Maks

[psullie]

Check for signs of lead rot - a grey bloom that comes away easily if poked with a pin leaving a pitted scar behind (note this is toxic stuff!) and weakness or brittle arms etc.

If not then you're good to go, although another go with your preferred paint stripper wouldn't go amiss - my choice is biostrip 20. I'd at least give them a warm soapy wash to clean off any grease or residue.

If you do spot the rot - I've had success with mild cases in the past with a short (5 mins) dip in 5% acetic acid and brush to remove the oxide follow by a dip in bicarb soda to remove the acid. But if the rot is severe this would dissolve the mini

Wash with care as these oldies can be fragile

[Maxromek]

Cheers pal!

I actually went and set them in vinegar for last night and cleaned them today. There was some dark powdery stuff that came off easily when I poked it with a tip of my file. It didn't leave any scars in the models though. But it's mostly gone after washing in vinegar and then neutralization. i will check again tomorrow, as this was only present on one or two models.

And God are these flimsy. I mean these are at least 10 years older than me and I had zero experience of handling anything like that before. So I promptly broke off a hand and two scimitars. Go me!

[Terwilliger]

Don't wash old lead figures in vinegar (acetic acid).

Acetic acid triggers lead rot.

Acetic acid reacts with lead to make lead acetate, which is very sweet, easily absorbed into the body, and very, very toxic.  Lead acetate then reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to make lead carbonate, the poisonous whitish powder that we call lead rot.

Lead rot is a self-sustaining reaction.  Once it sets in, it keeps eating away at the lead until all of the metal is converted into a toxic dust.

When I handle old lead figures, I clean them gently with plain dish soap and warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.  Then I give them a very thin primer of acrylic paint.  Acrylic paint is alkaline and provides a buffer against the atmospheric acids which can trigger lead rot.

Lead figures should not be stored in cardboard or wood, as both emit acetic acid vapors.  Lead is better stored in nonreactive plastic, such as polyethylene ziploc bags.