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Hi folks,

I've been buying lots of second hand Warhanner fantasy stuff over the past year or so, but several have this weird blackened stuff on parts of some of the models.

I thought it was maybe a recast that used lead, but the model didn't feel anything like lead (it feels just like one of my genuine white metal models).

Any ideas on what this is and how to fix it? Methods of paint stripping don't seem to do anything to it, but putting it in paint thinners makes it a little easier to scratch off. You can see in the attached images where I've scratched some of the black stuff off.

It could be tarnish.

Just for the sake of getting some better pictures, the tab on the executioners base is the best example of this stuff that I can take a picture of:

I am not sure exactly what is going on there. I have left mini's in simple green to strip them and forgotten they were there and ended up with a blackened appearance. Another dose of simple green got it, and it really wasn't scaly like that is, so not sure its the same thing. I do think it is some sort of stripper applied and then not brushed or cleaned so that the material was allowed to re-dry.

I second the idea of oxidation. Metals that aren't nickel coated tend to rust or oxidize. If you have a dremel, I suggest just a simple brush wheel or wire wheel at low speeds to try and clean them up. I'm not sure how to clean them off otherwise.

It's definitely oxidation

edwardmyst wrote:
I am not sure exactly what is going on there. I have left mini's in simple green to strip them and forgotten they were there and ended up with a blackened appearance. Another dose of simple green got it, and it really wasn't scaly like that is, so not sure its the same thing. I do think it is some sort of stripper applied and then not brushed or cleaned so that the material was allowed to re-dry.

Yes I think I have experienced this when stripping paint with detergent

The best way to clean that off would be to use Brasso or a silver polish. Both generally work on multiple types of metal. The silver polish will be less harsh on the metal but both should work. Apply it, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Use a toothbrush to help move off the the figure. Use a dry cloth to clear off any excess product. You should see after the first time how well it will work. If you need to repeat. Good luck

Old toothbrush and some toothpaste (not gel). The sort with a slightly gritty feel.

That removes the oxide layer easily enough. Or a small wire brush (you use them for cleaning battery terminals, they sort of look like a metal bristled toothbrush - with either brass or aluminium bristles).

 Freya wrote:
I second the idea of oxidation. Metals that aren't nickel coated tend to rust or oxidize. If you have a dremel, I suggest just a simple brush wheel or wire wheel at low speeds to try and clean them up. I'm not sure how to clean them off otherwise.

You can actually soak them in white vinegar, then remove them from soak. Spray with a lite oil base polish, and use a polishing wheel on them if you're too worried about the wire wheel doing damage.

It's going to have to soak for about three hours though and it's not too reliable on some of the older metal models that I've seen, and I'm talking epic age model.

Thanks for all the help folks! Seems like this is oxidisation since the toothpaste worked on it.

I'll give the white vinegar and polish a shot next, as it's quite built up on those particular models.

Thanks again!