A question about paint

[Soldat1940]

Hi,

I am curious if anyone can answer whether original Stalhelm paint jobs can be differentiated from more recent ones. I understand that sometimes rubbing a little acetone in an inconspicuous spot will show if paints are lacquer-based (ie. recent) or not (ie. period-done).

If the paint does not come off, does that necessarily mean that the paint is original to the ww2 era? I am not very familiar with the evolution of paints used by the germans.

Harry

[keifer kahn]

Acetone can be used as a general guide for detecting recent spray jobs(spray can for example) but there are plenty of modern paints which it wont touch.(enamels used on barbecues for example)
I generally find that rubbing any paint isnt a good idea.Some paint becomes brittle and powders up if rubbed.Paint as it ages and not properly stored,can head towards a chalk like compound.
Period Field applied paint will come off if rubbed hard enough as it lacks the hardness of factory baked enamels.

As for acetone,their is no need to rub anyhow.A simple dab on the area is enough.If you dab,and the paint lifts and goes soluble,its probaly recent.

I do own some ground dug items(helmets,buckles,etc) and the paint on those,have gone very chalky.Any friction,such as rubbing,has the paint coming away in fine grainy particles.

[Perry Floyd]

Hi,

I am curious if anyone can answer whether original Stalhelm paint jobs can be differentiated from more recent ones. I understand that sometimes rubbing a little acetone in an inconspicuous spot will show if paints are lacquer-based (ie. recent) or not (ie. period-done).

If the paint does not come off, does that necessarily mean that the paint is original to the ww2 era? I am not very familiar with the evolution of paints used by the germans.

Harry

I wouldnt recomend any such test as this.

[Soldat1940]

A question about paint

Gents,

Many thanks for the advice.

Harry