Electrolysis Uses

I apologize for this being a really off the wall question but my daughter has had a fish tank for years and she had numerous items surrounding it that were decaying due to the exposure to the water I guess. Most of these items are childhood "junk" but one is a music box with a ceramic figure on it. The figure is holding a staff made of steel and this has rusted badly. I'm wondering if an electrolysis bath would harm the painted ceramic. I can't get the staff out because it is being held securely by the figure.

Ceramic is used as an electrical insulator so it won't conduct any angry pixies. I don't know if the paint has lead in it what that will do but it shouldn't hurt straight up enamel paint.

Can you just drop in the lid?
I don't believe it would affect the ceramic other than possibly staining it with a rusty colored residue.
It should just attack the rust.
Before I tried it.......... I'd seal the painted ceramic. By masking off the rusty staff and spray the painted ceramic with a clear acrylic. Your choice Satin or Semi. This should seal in the painted ceramic, possibly only having to wash off any residue.
I haven't tried this before (doubt it any have :madsmile:) but this is how I'd try.
I know the tank will pull paint off of rusty metals like mags.

Good Luck
Charlie-painter777

Link:
Surplusrifle Forum View topic - How to make and use an electrolysis tank *PICS*

Sealing it is a good idea, didn't even consider that. Also didn't think about the rust staining it so good precaution. I don't believe it is a valuable piece, just a memento more than anything and I can possibly dip it so just the arm and the staff are in the water.

Don't get zapped, or you'll have more memories than planned. Maybe none depending on how much current you catch ;-)
Let us know how it works out.

Cheers,
Charlie-painter777

PS You can buy spray can acrylic at your local hardware ~5.00 a can.