Electrolysis Uses

[Aragorn243]

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.

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[WarPig1976]

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.

[painter777]

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 ) 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*

[Aragorn243]

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.

[painter777]

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.