Getting rid of kimpun mei

[Rivkin]

Any proven DYI recipes for getting rid of stupid kimpun mei without damaging old and nice patina or its polisher only task?

[klee]

Wouldnt Acetone work if it s lacquer ? 

 

And I know for a fact acetone is safe on steel 

[Hector]

Genuine lacquer's acetone resistant - I've used it to get a really old label off a lacquer box picked up at a fleamarket.

 

Perhaps fire, if it wasn't hot enough to disturb the patina or temper? (I'm thinking a candle, rather than a blow torch.)

[jesup]

I realize this is obvious... but perhaps "lacquer thinner"?

[Scogg]

Maybe it will “chip” off with a bit of carefully applied force. Im thinking the corner of a block of wood, at a less than 45 degree angle, and some light tapping. 
 

Although, before I would try anything, I would try to at least speak to a togishi about it beforehand.
 

I would hate to negatively impact the sword in any way. A blemish caused by my hand would bother me way more than a gimei kinpun mei 

 

Sincerely,

-Sam 
 

 

 

 

[Tensho]

I used 99.5% Ethyl alcohol on a saya with Kamon. They were barely visible as the Urushi darkened and became foggy. It had no problems dissolving it enough that I was able to buff it. 

 

Question is, will there be a "ghost" of the old kimpun mei left once removed? Especially if the nakago around it developed more patina. 

Edited December 18, 2025 by Tensho

[Robert S]

2 hours ago, jesup said:

I realize this is obvious... but perhaps "lacquer thinner"?

There's a good chance that will work, but do it in a highly ventilated space, or outdoors, with an activated carbon mask on.  Lacquer thinner is one of the nastier ones.

[Hector]

To follow on from @Scogg's suggestion, perhaps a piece of ivory or horn (as used to remove active rust off tsuba)?