To do or not to do (removing rust)?

[A square 10]

FWIW - brass wool is better than steel wool

[Patrick Chadwick]

brass wool is better than steel wool

Yes, if you can get it. I use the brass brushes you can buy for brushing suede leather.


Patrick

[gew8805]

Either brass wool or steel wool will work, just remember to keep both studiously clean. As they get full of rust that has been removed either rotate to a new, clean surface of the wool or replace. The rust powder/flakes are very abrasive and will mark the surface being cleaned.

[Johnny Peppers]

Steel wool comes in finer grades than brass/bronze wool, and no brass wipe off on the metal. 4/0 steel wool and oil will gently remove the rust without harming the original finish with any care at all. You can remove the finish by aggressively using most anything.

[MeatMarket]

Thanks everyone. I'll carefully try both methods to see which are better and when I'm finished, I'll post pics of the result.

[gew8805]

Steel wool comes in finer grades than brass/bronze wool, and no brass wipe off on the metal. 4/0 steel wool and oil will gently remove the rust without harming the original finish with any care at all. You can remove the finish by aggressively using most anything.

Well said.

---------- Post added at 07:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------

Thanks everyone. I'll carefully try both methods to see which are better and when I'm finished, I'll post pics of the result.

The best of luck, remember - "Less is more".

[Patrick Chadwick]

You can remove the finish by aggressively using most anything.

Which is why I seriousy recommend first using the electrolytic meethod. Any brush will brush everything, so there isl always likely to be some microscopic abrasion which - as has been pointed out - will become noticeable if you overdo it . But electrolysis only affects the rust, and preceding + following ultrasonic cleaning shakes off the loose flakes and sludge. Please give it a try.


Patrick

[MeatMarket]

Which is why I seriousy recommend first using the electrolytic meethod. Any brush will brush everything, so there isl always likely to be some microscopic abrasion which - as has been pointed out - will become noticeable if you overdo it . But electrolysis only affects the rust, and preceding + following ultrasonic cleaning shakes off the loose flakes and sludge. Please give it a try.

I certainly will give this a try too. It seems I have everything I need already except the soda. Will baking soda work?

[Patrick Chadwick]

Will baking soda work?

Yes, just stir in about a tablespoonful per pint of water.


Patrick

[Peter Laidler]

Patrick, your chemistry formulation is the work of a genius................................