This is a really interesting article about removing rust via electrolysis. I know a lot of our readers like to re-use and recycle old parts, and sometimes that involves removing a lot of rust.
There are various obvious methods of rust removal, but these methods are unsuitable for very old or valuable artifacts as they tend to be destructive in use, meaning that along with the rust some of the base metal is also removed. Dissolving the rust with acids such as phosphoric acid or even vinegar can produce good results, but this process removes any surface features which may have been preserved in the rust.
Read a lot more about Rust Removal Using Electrolysis
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HOW TO – Electrolytic rust removal
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I’ve always been curious whether the so-called electronic rust protection systems work. They say they “reverse” rust damage and actually convert some of the rust back into metal. While I won’t deny it’s possible, I don’t know much about the probabilities and never felt the need to buy one until recently.
Speaking of rust, anyone know how to create rust quickly?
I remember performing an experiment in high school that literally rusted a nail to nothing in a matter of minutes. It was fascinating to watch the flakes of rust peel off as the nail disintegrated.
The chemicals needed were a clear liquid (mild vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach solution perhaps?) and a crushed over-the-counter medicine tablet (aspirin maybe?) as a catalyst.
“Speaking of rust, anyone know how to create rust quickly?”
Yes. Follow this process for rust removal only use the object you want to rust as your sacrificial anode. This will heavily corrode the piece.
For a milder rust you can use a salt water solution sprayed over the piece and let nature take its course. If you’re using steel that’s coated with anything such as scale or zinc you’ll need to first remove that coating to expose the raw metal underneath.
Additionally, one can remove rust by immersing the object in a solution of citric acid and water. Citric acid is available in bulk from “home brewing” stores.
I just noticed this article, and read some comments. I was surprised to find no mention about the chelant based non-hazardous, non-toxic rust removers on the market today. They contain no acid so they are very safe to use. The best part is that they will not remove the fresh metal under the rust. This means that you can d-rust paper thin metal, and only the rust will be removed. Yes, you may notice some pinholes which were simply bridged by the rust. D-Rust-It rust remover Concentrate also has the added benefit of cutting shipping expenses dramatically. Since you mix it with your water, there is no paying to ship the water.
Lee, http://www.rustdepot.com