White lead

[Stan Derelian]

I have a 5 lb. can of white lead that has dried. Can it be rejunvinated? Best way?

[Dave Carnell]

It was originally suspended in oil,perhaps linseed oil. If it is linseed oil that has cured, you may not be able to do much.

Dig out some chunks and try softening with mineral spirits, gasoline, or lacquer thinner in that order. If it works, mineral spirits would be the best liquefier.

[Classic Boatworks - Maine]

We would suggest trying to soften and rejuvenate with linseed oil first.
Linseed oil polymerizes and this is usually not reversible. If your white lead is simply thickened you may be able to do something otherwise... forget it!

[RGM]

Use the suggestions that the others have mentioned in conjunction with a little heat. Don't use an open flame, use an electric hot plate (low setting). Try a small amount first in a separate metal container as an experiment. Take the proper safety precautions. See if that helps. Good luck.

[Scott Rosen]

Hi Stan,

If it's anything like the white lead I use from Kirby, then it's linseed oil based. As the others have said, once it's fully or mostly cured, there's not much you can do. It must have been sitting for a very long time for a five pound can to fully harden. I suggest using it as a dinghy anchor.

[Stan Derelian]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

The can has been around since at least 1965. There is that slight yellow film on top that I associate with dried linseed oil, but it is thin, and underneath it is not brick hard, so I will try what you all suggest.

Otherwise, I needed a basement door stop. Thanks again.