How to Paint a Sextant

Take several photographs of the sextant. Use a digital camera to take pictures of how the different components are mounted together, and where the measurement marks are located on the sextant. Take plenty of photographs of every aspect of the sextant in case the photographs are useful when putting the sextant back together.

Disassemble the sextant. The sextant will come apart into two primary pieces, with a few small fittings that connect into these. Taking the time to disassemble the sextant before painting it will prevent you from accidentally painting the sextant shut. Painting the parts, the reassembling the sextant will allow the parts to move as intended.

Remove any existing paint or bluing from the surface of the sextant. Wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands, and slowly lower the sextant parts into a container filled with paint thinner. Allow the parts to soak in the paint thinner for 20 minutes, then remove them and wipe the old paint away using a dry cloth. Rinse under cold water and air dry before painting.

Apply a base coat of paint to the sextant using a paint sprayer. Sweep the spray in a side-to-side motion, passing slowly and evenly across the entire surface of the metal. Allow the paint to dry, then turn the parts over and paint the reverse side. You may need two coats of paint.

Use a second paint color, such as gold or silver, to replace the measurement marks on the sextant. Use a fine tip brush to carefully paint inside the grooves from the original sextant markings. Allow these marks sufficient time to dry, then cover the entire sextant with a layer of clear coat, which will protect the paint job from being damaged.

Reassemble the sextant. Although the calibration may be off in terms of using the sextant as a navigational instrument, it will be more attractive looking and will make an excellent addition to any nautical decor in your home or office.