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Old October 26, 2010, 04:48 AM   #1
DE Shooter
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Laquered up old rifle...cleanable?

There is an old WWI/WWII rifle I'm interested in. I want to make an offer but don't know if it is cleanable. According to the owner, the entire rifle...wood & metal is covered with a brownish laquer. Is it possible to clean this old rifle up? Any help appreciated.
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Old October 26, 2010, 07:28 AM   #2
mapsjanhere
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That sounds more like dried on cosmoline or similar (at least I can't think of anyone painting a rifle uniformly with a lacquer). In either case it's easy to get off since WWI and II rifles only contain metal and wood, both materials that you can treat with paint removers (the solvent kind, not the lye stuff). But most likely it's some old preservative - check the forum for cosmoline removal.
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Old October 26, 2010, 07:45 AM   #3
jaguarxk120
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Any solvent should take off the coating. Since it is a military rifle, try acetone or carb. cleaner, outdoor's and wear nytral gloves.
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Old October 26, 2010, 12:53 PM   #4
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My choice for this is 100% mineral spirits (NOT Varsol). Much less carcinogenic.
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