Over my wargaming career of about 55 years I have been lucky in that I have only come across 'lead rot' a few times . I have been sorting out and re-boxing my 40mm Balkans Imagination collection when I came across this chap - he was purchased as part of a job lot and is a bit big (50mm) really but I cleaned him up , repainted him and he became the Naval Attache to the Sublime Porte . However he is now showing signs of the dreaded 'lead rot'
I'm not sure why he should have developed this as none of the other figures in the box have it ? , I believe he is more or less pure lead so this might be a contributing factor . So Ive cleaned all the old paint off , given him a vigorous brushing and a new sword scabbard that snapped off due the the cleaning and will undercoat and re-paint him .
The Naval Attache in happier times - this photo is from 6 years ago so hopefully I can return him to this condition .
Hopefully he is cured and will live to fight another day!
ReplyDeleteYes going to give him a couple of coats for a starter then paint him and a good varnish.
DeleteGood luck with your rehabilitation project Tony! It will be very interesting to see if you can reverse the blight and keep him in service a good, long time!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why he alone became infected, think it must be the metal he is made of.
DeleteTony, hope all goes well with this project. I am of the opinion that extreme changes in seasonal temperature play a part, while figures in constant levels (likely warm) stay fine. I also use yacht varnish. But it could be that it is just poor quality lead? All my figures are kept in room temperature, never the loft, or garage, and I have the same view with regard to electrical tools, Christmas lights, etc.
ReplyDeleteThinking about this again, I have bought old/weak lead figures with some lead oxidisation, but after a good prime, then paint, then varnish, there has been no signs of decay in ten years. Also, I don't use enamel paints, only acrylics?
Michael (Wargaming with....)
Think it must be the metal it's cast in , nothing else in the box was effected.
Delete'Lead or Tin rot' is down to impurities in the metal which accellerate corrosion (oxidation). Temperature changes have very little effect though dampness will once the oxides have burstt through the paint. I'd suggest priming, varnishing and then start painting. It won't stop it but will slow it down.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, this is the first time google has let me comment but I've followed your blog for quite a while and always impressed and entertained. Thanks for all the work which goes into it.
Glad you can now comment, I don't understand the vagaries of blogger, think it might be the metal it's cast in.
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