Rust removal
Sept 27, 2022 18:09:06 GMT
on Sept 27, 2022 18:09:06 GMT
Last Edit: Sept 27, 2022 18:15:35 GMT by lumiworx
I'm assuming that many of us have come across some item that had some type of surface rust and needed remediation to remove it, or at the very least, to do some basic cleanup and treat it from getting worse.
A recent purchase came in a sort of presentation box made of stamped steel which had a thin glued-on outer vinyl covering. Although it looked reasonably good when opened, its top and bottom inner foam pieces were ill-fitting and had significantly deteriorated. After pulling those out with all their backing materials to measure for new pieces, I found edge-to-edge surface rust on the bare casing underneath. Unfortunately it wasn't just a hint of rust in several spots - it was heavy and contiguous on both halves.
I've used a lot of solutions and chemicals over the years, including naval jelly, which is extremely caustic but is very effective on heavy rust shown here. This case wasn't something that would tolerate an aggressive treatment, since I'm certain the jelly would damage the vinyl material, or just outright dissolve it. I instead opted to try something I'd normally use on small parts, but I couldn't toss everything in a bucket to soak. I used 2-ply paper towels laid onto the inner casing panels and sufficiently soaked them with ordinary apple cider vinegar, and let them do their work for 3 hours. After several added wipedowns with vinegar soaked paper towels, I was astonished with how well it worked. It might have more to do with the quality of the steel used in this early 1970's box, but I'm more than happy with the results and how remarkably easy it was to get things completely clean.
A comparison of the cleaned side on the left, and the still-soaked rusty top section on the right.
If you're curious about the box and its original contents, I'll post some pics after getting everything replaced and put back together, but I'll give you a small hint for now. Polaroid
A recent purchase came in a sort of presentation box made of stamped steel which had a thin glued-on outer vinyl covering. Although it looked reasonably good when opened, its top and bottom inner foam pieces were ill-fitting and had significantly deteriorated. After pulling those out with all their backing materials to measure for new pieces, I found edge-to-edge surface rust on the bare casing underneath. Unfortunately it wasn't just a hint of rust in several spots - it was heavy and contiguous on both halves.
I've used a lot of solutions and chemicals over the years, including naval jelly, which is extremely caustic but is very effective on heavy rust shown here. This case wasn't something that would tolerate an aggressive treatment, since I'm certain the jelly would damage the vinyl material, or just outright dissolve it. I instead opted to try something I'd normally use on small parts, but I couldn't toss everything in a bucket to soak. I used 2-ply paper towels laid onto the inner casing panels and sufficiently soaked them with ordinary apple cider vinegar, and let them do their work for 3 hours. After several added wipedowns with vinegar soaked paper towels, I was astonished with how well it worked. It might have more to do with the quality of the steel used in this early 1970's box, but I'm more than happy with the results and how remarkably easy it was to get things completely clean.
A comparison of the cleaned side on the left, and the still-soaked rusty top section on the right.
If you're curious about the box and its original contents, I'll post some pics after getting everything replaced and put back together, but I'll give you a small hint for now. Polaroid
