Cleaning rust off old cast-iron

WTR25 · Feb 8, 2011

Hi, a few weekends ago I dug a large portion of a federal period andiron. I was able to tap away most of the larger flaky pieces of rust, but I need some suggestions as to something I could use to clean the details with as little damage as possible. Any tips? ( I'll post pics later)

Dug · Feb 9, 2011

Re Cleaning iron

If it was me, I would run it through electrolysis. Then after washing and drying it well would soak it in a diluted rust converter and then bake dry. I used to seal my relics with laquer but had some issues with residual ground salts that were still sealed in minute fizzures causing eruptions later.

The professionals run electrolysis and then treat with some type of super hard wax that has been heated to a very high temp.

WTR25 · Feb 9, 2011

Hmm, is electrolysis the only option? What I've read about it these forums seems a bit complicated, and dangerous.

jon123123 · Feb 22, 2011

I have heard of using molasses; don’t know how well that works though. Electrolysis isn’t that bad, that’s what I use for all my stuff. Usually have something going through electrolysis every week.

mr_hippie · Feb 24, 2011

Electrolysis gets my vote too. Not really complicated nor dangerous imo. Does a great job especially bringing out the details on old iron

gordygroover · Feb 25, 2011

Heck...it's iron.
There has to be a metal service place in town that does different types of sand blasting using media other than high abrasive grit.
A couple phone calls should get you the location of a near bye outfit that can remove the rust without damaging the detail of your find.

Cleaning rust off old cast-iron

WTR25

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Dug

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WTR25

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jon123123

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mr_hippie

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gordygroover

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