Cleaning tools of rust---update

But seriously, the rusty mild steel I soaked in vinegar for three days came out rust free. (I did shake the container two or three times a day to expose new surface.) After being rinsed, the steel comes out a soft gunmetal gray. Where the rust on the surface was heavy and even, a little scrubbing with a nylon dishwashing pad revealed an attractive matte finish that I hope to be able to use in metal sculpture. The vinegar really does stain everything it touches black--- skin, sink, countertop, scrubber. It cleans off fairly easily but by knowing about it in advance, and using a little planning you can avoid the problem altogether.

Stan

Led

So it was the finish you were looking for?

Like bjb was pointing out, I have some acid mixs that also works well depending on what your looking for.

T_Bone

The surface finish was just a bonus of the process for me. My initial intent was nothing more than to try the vinegar rust removal process you described in your 8/22 response to Gary Shafer's question of 8/21. I had a gallon of cheap white vinegar and no shortage of rusty metal fasteners and steel coupons to soak in some of it.

A month ago I watched a demonstration by that jeweler I mentioned above of a few of the metal etching and plating procedures that can be done with readily available chemicals. It was really interesting stuff but my current policy is to not get distracted from a few things I'd like to become really good at. I'm already about half good at way more things than I need to be.

All the best, Stan

You will not consume all the vinegar however because at some point eqillibrium will be reached when the enough is consumed that the forward reaction will not take place (it doesnt actually stop it just that the forward rate of reaction=reverse rate of reaction). Then you will have to replace the vinegar with fresh stock.

This works with other acids as well like sulfuric and muratic (hydrochloric) but both of these are considered strong acids so the reaction is quicker and they can more easily react with the actual iron (as well as being more dangerous to work with).

someone from the Tool Collectors club told us to try this RUSTBEETER stuff.. made from sugar beets... got a gallon's worth to try..