Lacquer?

[zombiemann]

This may have been asked before, but my search-fu is not strong today...

I have a wee bit of a dilemma going. I have a Gillette NEW LC that is (at this time) my favorite razor. Unfortunately the plating on the top plate and handle was pretty well shot when I bought it. I initially purchased it fully intending to send it off to be replated in. In the process of cleaning it up (it was pretty rough) I got everything polished up nice and smooth. I then proceeded to fall in love with the way it looks. Now I am not so sure I want to have it replated.

Here is where my problem comes in. I know with it being "bare metal" the polished finish will not last, and every time I polish it, I am wearing down the metal further and further. Combine that with a genuine OCD (diagnosed and medicated, not just "I like things a certain way"). I love the shaves I get from my NEW. The thought of "inferior" shaves for 3-4 weeks while I send it off to be replated... well, it isn't pretty. I can change razors to try out new purchases etc, but my face has to be smooth as glass when I am done, or it drives me up a wall.

So is there a way to lacquer the razor "as is" to protect the metal from tarnish etc?

 

[MacDaddy]

So is there a way to lacquer the razor "as is" to protect the metal from tarnish etc?

Sure you can. Have a look at your local hardware store for brass lacquer. If you can find it, Mohawk or Nikolas lacquers tend to be preferred by refinishers, but in a pinch even Rust-oleum clear lacquer will work.

 

[zombiemann]

Thanks for the quick response.

Anything special I need to know before I proceed? I'm guessing it will probably be like pretty much every other spray application... multiple very light coats and some buffing?

 

[alex2363]

Thanks for the quick response.

Anything special I need to know before I proceed? I'm guessing it will probably be like pretty much every other spray application... multiple very light coats and some buffing?

Spray, let it flash dry for 20 mins, then reapply another coat. Wait again and apply last coat. Let it dry for altleast 2 to 3 days for a full cure. I do this procedure my razors and even the cars i recondition to sell. [ my Uncle and best friend are in car repair and paint business.]

 

[zombiemann]

Thanks Alex.

I am going this afternoon to try and see if I can find a good lacquer locally.

 

[KRpdx]

Spray, let it flash dry for 20 mins, then reapply another coat. Wait again and apply last coat. Let it dry for altleast 2 to 3 days for a full cure. I do this procedure my razors and even the cars i recondition to sell. [ my Uncle and best friend are in car repair and paint business.]

I just bought a somewhat "tarnished" gold NEW LC (I guess technically gold can't tarnish). Would you suggest just cleaning it up with baking soda/dishwashing soap/scrubbing bubbles/jewelry cleaner/whitening toothpaste/etc., or using lacquer solvent first to remove all the lacquer?

 

[alex2363]

I just bought a somewhat "tarnished" gold NEW LC (I guess technically gold can't tarnish). Would you suggest just cleaning it up with baking soda/dishwashing soap/scrubbing bubbles/jewelry cleaner/whitening toothpaste/etc., or using lacquer solvent first to remove all the lacquer?

If you want to remove old peeling lacquer rub on on some solvent and rub it off. I have even used MAAS to remove it, it is easy to remove just rub hard and it comes off.

 

[onotoman]

The best thing to remove old lacquer is oven cleaner. Pour some into a plastic container and pop the razor parts into it. Leave them in there for around 24 hours and dig at them (especially into the engine turning) with a stiff paintbrush once every few hours (other than when you are sleeping of course) and wear disposable gloves too.

After the 24 hours scrub with a stiff nail or toothbrush in water and all of the lacquer will be gone.

As for new lacquer it will protect the brass/copper for a while but it'll still tarnish eventually.

This is why razors were always plated, lacquer is fine for brass door handles, but not razors.

 

[KRpdx]

Thank you. I think I'll take all the lacquer off and re-lacquer it. Mohawk, Nikolas, or ?

 

[chiefmate]

Go to a Hobby shop. Testors clear Laquer #28139. About $6.00 for a spray can. Very thin coats.

 

[KRpdx]

OK, thanks. We have a hobby store a few minutes away.