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Good Morning Everyone!
I recently inherited a Type 99 (1940 manufacture) from my grandfather. It is in great shape, the main reason it is in such great shape is whoever he acquired it from put some type of clear-coat lacquer or paint on EVERYTHING. I can't even remove the bolt because he sealed it up with this clear-coat. What would be an effective way to remove this clear-coat? I want to avoid damaging the metal and wood. Thank you all for your help!
Paint stripper, BUT it will remove all finish from the wood.
Citristrip. Will not harm the metal. Might remove the wood finish but I'm not sure. Seems the original Japanese finish is pretty tough against most wood strippers.
As Aragorn suggest Citristrip is very good. But first i would be trying to workout what exactly the clear coat is, something like a shellac will come off with spirits alone.
I won't be able to confirm what the coating is. My grandfather said whoever he acquired it from had already put it on.
What you need to do then is start with the least caustic and work up from there until it comes off. Spirits likely won't harm the wood finish so try them first.
I would also start with something mild, with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol which shouldn't harm the finish underneath. It was often shellac or some other inexpensive varnish if it was done back in the day, my M1917 was like that and it cleaned up great. Just don't sand it if chemicals aren't working; aside from the obvious reasons (damage to contours and stamps) the stuff used in the original urushi finish on the stock is pretty powerful irritant based on what I've read and needs to be handled with caution if sanded.
I appreciate everyones help. If not this coming weekend than the following weekend I will sit down and give it a try. I will let everyone know my findings.