I’ve been using lead foil and lead wire for a lot of detail work on my models. I noticed some of my older models forming white residue on lead, although these were primed and painted.
Apparently lead can oxidize and form white deposits of lead carbonate on its surface. I’ve found lead should be treated with patination oil, which stops the lead from oxidizing when it comes into contact with moisture.
Have any of you noticed this on your models? How did you deal with this?
Mario
Oxidation creates lead oxides, none of which are white.
The ‘white mold’ (lead carbonates) on lead needs moisture/humidity combined with acids (carbon dioxide forms a mild acid in water) or only acids from residues of flux when soldering. Fingers handling lead foil/wire can deposit a mild acid. Professionals handling antiques use gloves to prevent contamination with acidic deposits (and grease of course).
Reddit discussion on how to fix it, cleaning methods and how to prevent it from reoccuring.
I have this one some old metal figures as well. Probably from back in the day when lead was used in the alloy.
I’ve had this form on some of my lead foil. I washed it with Windex (window cleaner with ammonia) and rinsed with water and after paint have not seen any white powder leaching through, five years on.
Cocaine?
Once upon a time I was deeply into wooden ship models - this phenomenon was called “ lead pest “ and it seems it was accelerated on models in closed nearly airtight cases . Venting the case was imperative. The advent of Brittania metal for fittings nearly eliminated it .
Wood can be slightly acidic, and give off small amounts of moisture …
White lead is a hydroxy carbonate of lead. It can be absorbed through the skin, and is a primary source of lead poisoning for that reason. While the amount encountered in scale modeling may be very small, it is best to avoid skin contact and inhalation.