Found this br49 in an antique shop in sorry condition, I'm struggling to understand what could have caused such thick gloop that has hardened into a thick very tough wax, can be scraped with a nail but risks the paint underneath. Anybody had any luck removing stuff like this? Had a look and couldn't see any threads about similar issues For the inside of the tank I was planning on heating the whole tank with old paraffin inside and nuts and bolts to swish around hopefully clearing any loose material.
In my opinion, it would be best to strip that tank and then repaint it. Heating the tank is not advisable because it's soldered together, cleaning the fuel feed pipe with some tying wire is a good idea. Putting fresh paraffin and some steel nuts into the tank and giving it the shake treatment is usually enough to clean the tank out, however, that often has to be done several times until the paraffin comes out clean.
Hi Patrick, you could try using Meths on a small area to see if it makes a difference ? it can dissolve such deposits but evaporates on the cloth so needs refreshing as you scrub. sometimes as Jeff has said it’s quicker to strip and refinish as cleaning can take forever and the original finish may be compromised good luck with everything regards pb
Alternatively, don't bother with the rest, try the best (in not just my opinion) POR15 Cleaner Degreaser 946ml Industrial Strength Water Based Clean POR 15 | eBay UK Don't be put off by the price, it is a concetrate and must ALWAYS be diluted in varying ratios. Read the full description in the listing. It really is the bee's knees when used as per directions. For the exterior of your lantern, you may wish to use a diluted solution and cotton buds to treat the effected areas rather than immersing the whole tank.
