Thread: Heads tarnishing

That tarnish happens over time and many things can contribute to it. Moisture in the air. Temperature changes causing condensation is another. Handling the heads can help tarnish along. The lead itself can add to the problem if the lead is not pure. Re-heating lead multiple times can cause lead to discolor. The air itself can have high levels of acid or alkaline from industrial exhaust and that can oxidize lead over time if you live where industry is nearby. You best bet is to cast only what you intend to paint soon if you need to paint over very shiny head surfaces.

I don't have the luxery of only casting what I need as I am selling jigs all spring long. Tarnished heads don't normally bother me (with normal powder) but cause an issue with Candy colored powder or selling plain lead heads. This is the best thing I have found to keep the heads from tarnishing. It also helps reduce the amount of slag build up in the pot.

I will cast pure soft lead ingots but I also like to cast wheel weight lead as well. In my 20lb pot, I like to melt about 15lbs of pure lead with 3lbs of wheel weight lead. That small amount of alloy keeps the heads from tarnishing. The heads are slightly harder than a pure lead head but not near as hard as a wheel weight head. They seem to avoid tarnishing like a pure lead head will.

I understand what. A uses the oxidation I'm using reclaimed X-ray room lead at .72 a lb. I pour in bulk to sell a few a lot of people want unpainted heads. I was hoping someone had a fix I'll try adding some oil

Either get clear powder paint and coat them or get a vacume packer and seal them airtight.