Help please on removing a substance on a badge

[belinda]

Hi,
I have just picked up this badge and I know it is in a bad way, but do any of you out there know on how I can remove the subatance which is on the front of it? To me, it looks like a varnish for wood?

many thanks,
Belinda

[belinda]

..

[Paul R.]

Since it could be a variety of things on it the metal. There might be a simple solution that may be used to remove the coating without metal damage. Without it in my hands does it feel sticky? Is there any odor?

[belinda]

Hi Paul,
many thank's for the reply. No, there is no stickiness with it and it also hasn't got no odour. It looks like it has been on it for years. It stratches off quite easily with my nail on the back because it is smooth, but there is no way I can do that to the front.

regards,
Belinda

[Paul R.]

Grab a Q tip a put a dab on water on the tip. Place the Q tip on a very small area of the metal, and very gently apply a slight pressure slowly work a small area and see if that will remove it. If that doesn’t work try either mineral spirits or finger nail polish remover plain (no aloe, or vitamins added to the polish remover) Of course us a Q tip and work slowly. Paul

[belinda]

Many thanks Paul for the advice. I will give it a go with water first and if no go, then the nail polish remover.

regards,
Belinda