Hi Ernie,
I’m restoring some old Stanley planes and I have one that needs japanning. I’ve researched and looked at quite a few ways to do this, some very complex.
Is there some simple and basic way to restore the black japanning. I’m looking at these planes as good user planes and not collectable antiques. However I would like the japanning to look good and close to the original look.
thanks……garyv
Replies
The original Japanning was an asphalt based product that was very viscous. The parts were dipped in the preparation, the excess aloud to drip away, then baked at high temperate. The result was a very hard durable finish.
Years ago a product called asphaltum was available at art stores and was used by tin painters. I have checked on line and Blick still sells the material for protecting etching plates. It can be ordered at the following url: http://www.dickblick.com/zz452/05/. It will give a reasonable approximation of Japanning. From an antique standpoint you can not replace what is gone. Good practice dictates doing restoration that is as close to the original as possible. However, these are only users and not antiques so a second option would be a thick black paint. Warm the part slightly, brush on the paint and let it dry thoroughly. Use fine metal working abrasive clothe on a block of wood to remove the paint from the top edges, the toe, the heel and where it leaks through the mouth. The same technique would work for the asphaltum if you decide to go with that. Use and enjoy!
with best regards,
Ernie Conover
Thanks for the information Ernie. Since I don't plan to sell these planes I'll probably go with the paint option.Thanks for the information. GaryV
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