The batch of figures soaked in the 50/50 pure gum turps and white mineral oil for three days. I took them out today, scrubbing each one and then flushing it under running water, scrubbing a bit more.
I am very happy with the results at this point. The advice on Martin’s blog said to let dry for a week before painting over the damaged areas. So my plan is to let them stand for a week, and then prime.
I have found four that still need attention. I’ll check them all again tomorrow after they dry thoroughly, to see if any more need some further attention. I’ll make another small batch of the solution and attack the last four and any more that need it tomorrow.
Some pix, and a few more thoughts:
This guy is fresh out of the solution, after a little bit of scrubbing.
And this is him after being flush/scrubbed under a faucet. Looking much better!
This guy is much better, too, though that may be a little of rot in his hair and the very bottom of the cloak. I didn’t notice until I was looking at this picture.
The whole batch after being flushed off, waiting to dry.
These are the four that still show some rot; it should be visible in the picture. Based on the results of simply soaking and a quick scrub, I am optimistic that I’ll get rid of it.
An interesting thing is how much darker they all are after the soak. Not a big deal for me, as I am planning on priming all of them. But I noticed this in the video on the electrolysis process posted on the Lead Adventure Forum, as well. Interesting.
The odor of the pure gum turpentine is very strong, like PineSol magnified by two or three. I can’t decide whether I love or hate it.
So that’s it until tomorrow when I do the spot scrubbing on (hopefully only) those four dudes.
See ya then!