LW SD M40 Overpainted/varnished?

[David H]

Picked this named Luft SD M40 (ET64) up a couple of years ago it is a little rough but cost £75, so nothing ventured nothing gained. Anyway it it has had a coat of green/brown paint cover the original luft blue (visble in places) on top of this there seems to be an almost semi gloss substance (inside and out) like old varnish? could this be period or vet applied post war to stop it going rusty? Should I have a go at it with acetone or leave well alone?

Opinions please..

[David H]

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[David H]

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[David H]

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[David H]

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[Mike Osbourne]

I have owned several helmets over the years that the vet or collector "preserved" by putting lacquer or varnish over the entire piece. It can be removed with acetone, but it has to be done carefully. You most likely will not harm the paint, but be warned it will eat the decal off and quickly! If you proceed, start with the interior and go slowly over small areas. Have a bucket of water handy as it may be necessary to plunge the helmet into it to stop the reaction. do not try to use raw acetone over the decal. It would be better to go very carefully around it. If you must clean the decal, raid your wife's fingernail polish remover and use a small amount on a cotton swab. Be very careful and good luck.
-Mike

[Martin E]

I would say leave it alone. Acetone is a very powerful solvent. You will do more damage in the long run. I would just consider the varnish part of the helmets history.


Regards,
martin

[nopoop]

I agree with Martin. I had this helmet at one time and experimented with acetone on a small spot at the inside rear flair. (it had been overcoated to the liner). The results were poor.