Varnish on blade?

Has anyone here had to remove varnish from a blade? I bought a razor that might might be salvageable because I liked the lines. The drawback was it had rust on the tang and it appears that someone varnished the affected spot to halt the rust. I was planning on hand sanding but was wondering if there was something I can do to remove the varnish before sanding. Is there a place in the workshop that talks about varnish removal?
The razor is a Frederick Reynolds with de-laminating horn scales. I'll see if I can add a pic shortly.

Attachment 186305

Attachment 186306

Soak the blade in lacquer thinner or acetone.

The blade may respond to lacquer thinner.
Wash the heck out of the scales..off the razor with a citrus cleaner or a very thin spray degreaser like scrubbing bubbles and then rinse it well and dry it slowly. When thoroughly dry adjust its shape with shims and a board to the required bow
Then use "HotStuff" extra thin CA and use the elongated tubing spouts attached to it to allow it to wick into the open splits. You can help it along by wedging them open a bit with the tip of a utility knife as you start the process.
Take your time, they can come up beautifully.
Bye the way, that blade shape is a winner for shaving when you get it done!
~Richard

It has to be unpinned and do a total resto,could be a very nice project when done.