Oxalic acid for rust

also called wood acid, anyone ever try this stuff? i read good things about it on another bike forum and recently gave it a good work out.
it leaves a kind of green finish on steel that scrapes off with some work. still need to try it on chromed steel.
pictures later

 

Its the same stuff that poisons you when you eat rhubarb leaves (not found in the stalks).. I'd rate it on par with molasses and other green alternatives. For mine good old phosphoric still leads the pack

 

Most really good chrome polishes have it in. I also saw the "submerge the old chrome in oxalic acid and it comes out like new" threads. I couldn't find enough at a good enough price to submerge anything but did get enough to experiment. I also got the green crud that scrubs off, but my chrome didn't look anything like the discussion threads afterward.

 

PO, yup, I've got 2 gallons in different strengths....GREAT for chrome, GREAT! apply with rag or cotton swab depending on the size of the area to be restored, cover with cloth soaked in it to keep it wet, wait 5-10 minutes, us very soft brush to slowly get the rust off without scratching the rest of the chrome.

I ONLY use it on Chrome, not steel. will also work on alum but be careful on the amount of time as it will turn it black! Go to Lowes, slide over(or walk) to the driveway/concrete cleaning supplies....DO NOT but Muratic acid that some cleaners will have.... I'll have to check the name next time I'm home...(going to GF's tonight) but comes in RED plastic bottle think it might be called "rust away"

jeff

 

i used it on some old shotgun parts, it worked great. I agree with polock it will leave a greenish residue, but it does come off.

 

i'am thinking that green residue might hold oil and hold off future rust longer. i mixed mine way too strong, 1/3 cup in 1/2 gallon water, and even that strong it wasn't as nasty as muriatic acid.
wonder how it would work on a tank?.........gas tank

 

For the record, Rust Away's active ingredient is phosphoric acid

 

Then I named the wrong product!!! Good Catch!! I have so many chemicals on the shelf I get them confused and have to read the labels each time before using them. I even have a chart with which acid or base to use on each type of metal.

I'll only be home for a few minutes tonight but I'll try to remember to check and post up.

jeff

 

Sorry, Po forgot about this...the cheapest way to get it is in a product called "The Works" Rust, Lime & Calcium Remover, comes in a green bottle and you can buy it for a buck at the local dollar store. I like it because this is actually a pretty strong % of oxalic acid....and will remove rust from chome without damaging or staining.

Use with soft bristled brush.....if it's made of any kind of metal other than alum, put it far, far from chrome!

jeff

 

i found it on ebay, the paper it came with says"Vulcan's workshop" about 5lbs of white powder for about $10, i think.
enough to make gallons and gallons, this guys main use is pretty rocks and crystals ???, he also says you can use it on concrete, tile grout, wood decks, furniture and flushing radiators. i used it on some v-blocks and parallels for the mill, sprayed them with lps-1 and put them back on the bench. now we'll see how long they stay rust free

 

Any one try naval jelly ? works great on metal and cast iron. Never tried it on chrome but imagine it would work.

 

FP, I might use that on something that didn't matter but it's some nasty stuff and mine stays in the plastic jar. I seeme to remember that it's more ofr removing paint.

jeff

 

Polock,

AS someone who's biggest hobby is rocks and minerals, yeah.....ox.acid is great for removing iron staining on specimens but it depends on what ones you're cleaning. Could you pm me with the link to the fellow's auction? I'd be interested in seeing what other stuff he might have for sale.


dave fox

 

Well, in the machine shop when the bridgeport table got rusted after using soluble oil we would brush naval jelly on in a circular motion with a one inch paint brush let it sit for five or ten minutes and wash off with water then dry it. The table looked beutiful after. Never heard of using it for paint.
Just a suggestion. Thanks and have a nice day.

 

Naval Jelly will stain chrome; it "bleaches" it and it's never quite as shiny again.

I'm a big fan of "The Works" (hard water) I'm going to try some on some rusty chrome and see...

 

I've never tried it on chrome but I just read up on it. DO NOT USE ON CHOME it says. Thanks for the heads up