I received a dagger last week that has a painted scabbard that doesn't appear to be period done. As you can see, the paint is quite thick.
Do I leave it as it is, as there must have been a reason why it was done in the first place or do I remove it?
If I remove it, what's the best process?
Hi,
I would remove it. Seeing that its a repaint anyway, I'am sure you can do a much better job.
Maybe if the scabbard is in good condition underneath you could even try blueing or browning it chemically.
Just my opinion.
Some daggers were period repainted with what looks like a broom. If it looks bad, and looks to be a more modern job, you can strip it with the non toxic strippers from the hardware store. You'll have to remove the fittings. If you remove the fittings, be sure you have the correct size rethreading tool, otherwise it's a bear to put it back together. One warning though, if it was repainted more recently, they may have covered up major rusting/ corrosion. Vern, the moderator of this category, does a wonderful job of redoing these in black paint.
Best of Luck, John
You can also go to your local auto paint supply store and buy a paint remover that will remove the top layer of paint and not effect the paint under the top coat. I have used it in the past with good results. I can't recall the name but I will call the store where I bought it and find out.
Good luck.
I think it would be best to strip it all the way down to the metal. Chances are that this 'repaint' was done to cover up the original damaged paint job, although aesthatically it didn't do much to improve its looks. It appears they used road tar applied with a toilet brush, done in some bucket shop.
Thanks guys... appreciated.
Should I just get on with it using paint stripper or should I take it easy and use a wet and dry rub, just in case there is something worth saving underneath?
I would use paint stripper. It normally only bubbles of the paint 1 layer at a time, so you cannot go wrong.
goodluck,
pj
