Paint on bone

[coniferwoodsman]

I need some help from the knowledgeable ones- yes, you. How can I get paint off of bone scales? It is blue and it is in the jigging. the knife is about 90 years old and I really want to keep as much of the original as possible. Is there a safe way to remove the paint without hurting the bone?
Thanks in advance guys,
Dave

[Iron Hoarder]

I let them soak in 3 in 1 oil for a couple hours and then gently dig it out with a real dentist's pick. Usually applying pressure to the edge of the little blobs of paint will pop them right off. You can also gently rub with a fine grade of 3M/scotch brite to remove whatever is left. Mineral oil might also help float it off the bone if you don't like 3 in1 oil.

[knives-are-quiet]

It depends on what type of paint and how long it's been on there that will determine how hard it will be to remove.
But the Iron hoarder is right. the only way is to soften the paint and slowly remove with pick tools. Wooden tooth picks work well with less of a chance of scratching. You can try an old tooth brush with soft bristles also.

J W