Restoring lead downpipes

[Freddy]

Having successfully dip-stripped my lead downpipes, the 200 year old lead seems in good order but it still has a coating of white lead oxide (presumably) on it. I understand this is what happens when lead has been painted without fist being etched - a layer of oxide forms beneath the paint.
The oxide is unsightly and I would like to remove it whilst avoiding burnishing the lead to 'as new' appearance. I do not want to paint the lead, just to make it look old and lead-like!
Any advice appreciated please.

 

[NT]

can it be done electrolytically?

NT

 

[biffvernon]

You can coat the lead with the 'patina' used on lead in leaded windows, available from stained glass suppliers - or just rub car wax onto it.

 

[Gervase]

You can also buy tins of patination oil from builders' merchants. It's expensive (around £20 for a litre) and isn;t very healthy for you, but it does prevent the oxidation. It's also useful if you're flashing (oo-er!) around the roof and don't want white streaks down your slates.

 

[NT]

I thought the problem was removing the existing white oxide, not preventing more. OP may have to accept bright lead, it'll soon dull.


NT

 

[biffvernon]

Not sure about this but doesn't copper sulphate solution deal with it? I could be wrong there.