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How to Repaint Tin Toys

If you're a collector of antique or vintage toys, you probably own or have seen tin toys. These toys can take the form of old airplanes, cars, robots or trains. Some of these toys might have wind-up motors and working wheels. The paint on such toys can take a beating. Although some collectors would rather have tin toys in their original condition, with chipped and faded paint, restoring tin toys is a pleasant challenge and assists in making them look more cheerful.

Things You'll Need

Large pot
Water
2 tbsp lye
Old wooden spoon
Soft cloth or towel
Calcium Lime Rust cleaner
Bucket
Rubber gloves
Brush
Newspaper
Enamel paint
Paper towel
1/2 inch soft brush
Detailed pointed brush

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a large pot of water with a gallon of water. Place it over high heat until it boils. Carefully add 2 tbsp of lye to the water and mix it with an old wooden spoon. Remove the mixture from heat.
- 2
  Submerge each toy gently in the mixture to remove all grease, soldering paste or labels. Keep the toys in the bath until they look completely clean, which could take five to 20 minutes, depending on how soiled the item is.
- 3
  Pour the water out carefully and rinse off the toys. Wipe them completely dry with a soft cloth or towel.
- 4
  Mix equal parts warm water and CLR or a comparable product in a bucket if the toy is rusty. Put on gloves and dip a brush into the mixture. Test a small area of the tin toy where it's rustiest. Coat all the rusty areas of the toy and allow the mixture to soak for two minutes. Wash off immediately with cold water.
- 5
  Place a sheet of newspaper on the work space. Choose two enamel paints: one should be for the main color of the toy, and the other should be a contrasting or complimentary color for the details.
- 6
  Dip the 1/2 inch wide soft brush in the main paint color and cover the toy with a thin coat of enamel paint. Do not paint over any details or lines of the item, which are for the second color of paint. Make strong, overlapping strokes on the item, working from the top down.
- 7
  Dip the detailed brush into a second color of paint and wipe it off onto a paper towel. Paint over the lines and small fixtures of the toy. Don't rush; you'll need a steady hand for this part of the work.
- 8
  Allow the paint to dry overnight. Add a second coat if you desire.

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