[Milsurplus] CRACKLING

[arc5 at ix.netcom.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Todd, KA1KAQ" <ka1kaq at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] CRACKLING


That's a sad fact. Once you coat that surface, sandblasting is about
the only 'easy' way to remove it. The Armor-All craze of the 90s comes
to mind. Much easier to use some WD-40 or lemon oil after a thorough
cleaning. WD-40 seems to last a lot long, perhaps helps feed the old,
dry paint too.
---------------------------

If the finish has dings and scratches and is dull (not major holes),
I make all my friends cring by doing this "lazy man" treatment:

Brush away any loose dirt and loose paint.
Wash gently with distilled water and a toothbrush.  
No soap!  You can't get rid of it and it will corrode 
stuff 10 years from now.  Don't worry about what looks
like a very thin coat of dust.  You can't get rid of it
without doing damage to the old finish.
Let it dry well.
Go over gently with gauze and alcohol to remove any "greasy oilys."
Any paint that flakes off from all this was doomed anyway.
Black marker (big Avery "Marks-a-Lot" and various size Sharpies 
because they are the "right" black). 
Two or three coats, drying between coats. **
Once it dries well and no longer smells like "marker" (day or two),
give the whole thing a coat of WD-40, including those faded 
nomenclature plates.  You'll be surprised.  Looks almost new.
I know, I know... beat me with a wet noodle.
It will hurt less than stripping and repainting five times. ;-)
73 Dave S.  AB5S

 ** See Dennis AE6C's post on this for helpful tips.