Since lacquering requires the use of volatile solvents and spraying equipment, we recommend that this type of work be left to accomplished restoration professionals. No coating is impervious to moisture, and badly applied lacquer or paint can lead to worse corrosion. Painting - It is rarely appropriate to repaint an original artifact. Museums and collectors recognize the value of preserving as many original surfaces as possible, even on old tools and machines. Original paint can tell a great deal about the use of objects and may retain decorative detailing under darkened varnish layers.
Conservators can reveal and restore original paint in many cases.
In cases like these, painting may be an appropriate method of preservation. Before preparing the metal for repainting, the first thing to do is to check in crevices, behind handles, maker's plates or doors for bits of the original paint. With even a small sample, and a good eye, you may be able to match new paint to the authentic color. If you do not use a product such as this, you will need to completely strip and solvent-clean your artifact to ensure any degree of paint adhesion. Waxing - For most collectible iron artifacts, the best coating we can generally recommend is wax.