Removing white lettering fill on blued guns

[wlp624]

A previous owner rubbed some kind of white substance into the lettering and serial number on this 952-1 to ‘highlight’ them against the dark background. Has anyone seen this treatment before and know how to remove it? As you can see it’s wearing off irregularly and looks awful.

Thanks.

Bill

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[Sevens]

I had that in the lettering on a 1952 Colt Challenger (a Woodsman variant) and I simply used a little Hoppe’s #9. I’ve heard that some use typewriter correction fluid (white-out) and some may use a white colored crayon.

I think for your 952-1, I’d try some Hoppe’s and maybe a q-tip to start, something gentle. Hard to say and perhaps no way to know what exactly was used to make it white.

It’s great to see you posting again!

 

[S&W Rover]

Nice pistol!

Some folks use crayon, others use paint to fill lettering. Sevens' suggestion sounds good to me. I'd start with something gentle and maybe let it soak for a while. A bronze brush would be my last resort, but don't want to suggest that for your pistol because you might sue me if it hurts the nice finish!

 

[cjwils]

Toothbrush?

 

[Pisgah]

Fingernail polish remover. Brush. Gone, with no damage.

 

[wlp624]

Thanks everybody. I might add a little heat from a hair dryer into the mix. Hoppe's, a tooth brush and a little heat. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Bill

 

[Laketime]

Acetone is suspose to be the best remover of the white painted lettering.

 

[Doc1500]

Fingernail polish remover. Brush. Gone, with no damage.

I Agree ^^^^^^^ absolutely

 

[cjwils]

According to several sites on Google, many fingernail polish removers are high in acetone. At least one type might be 100% acetone.

 

[6518John]

I don’t know how this fad got started, I think it was a 70’s thing, and I have seen some magnificent old revolvers, including a pre 27 with it done. Whoever started the trend I bet put polychokes on Belgian Brownings and Monte Carlo stocks on pre 64 Winchester’s.

 

[peterdeb]

Toothbrush?

Try a toothbrush first. Sometimes white chalk is used. If not, pick at it with a wooden toothpick to determine what the white substance is. Then move to what others have recommended.

 

[bob1956]

I have used the product Goof off! Did take some elbow grease but finish was uneffected.

 

[gmborkovic]

How about Polys on old really nice Mod-12 skeet guns!

 

[Chino74]

Acetone if it's any type of paint which in your case was probably a lacquer paint.

 

[diyj98]

I’ve used acetone and acetone based nail polish remover, but Hoppes #9 also works on some fillings. I used it to remove “gold” that had been added to a Model 36 once.

 

[kraynky]

Remove those pretty grip panels before you go anything! You sure don't want acetone getting on them. I think fingernail polish remove is acetone.

 

[Chuck24]

In the pawnshop where I work I often use chalk to help read serial numbers that are black on black and then brush it out when they come to retrieve it.

 

[03hemi]

Yes, I did it to my Tommy gun with an enamel paint pen myself.
They're oil based so it'll be pretty hard to remove, but I'd imagine lacquer thinner left to soak would penetrate it, but remove those grips first.

 

[wlp624]

Bingo! a Q-tip soaked in Hoppe's 9 started dissolving it almost immediately, several more vigorous applications with a wipe down between each and the finish is fresh as new again. Thanks again to everyone for the help.

Bill

 

[JayFramer]

Leave it.

Very common method used by collectors to highlight numbers and stampings. IMHO, EVERY collectible gun should have the “White Letter Treatment” (WLT). This makes it far easier to ascertain characteristics and value, especially when viewing online. I personally like to use white oven touch up paint for the job, won’t remove easily which is what I want.