Black rust

kronckew · 14th April 2010, 08:12 PM

found this:
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A simple and inexpensive way to remove rust from steel surfaces by hand is to rub the steel with aluminium foil dipped in water. Aluminium has a higher reduction potential than the iron in steel, which may help transfer oxygen atoms from the iron to the aluminium. The aluminium foil is softer than steel and will not scratch it, as steel wool will, but as the aluminium oxidizes, the aluminium oxide produced becomes a fine metal polishing compound.
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seems worth a try

p.s. - black iron oxide is an alternative form of rust to the more destructive red rust we all hate. rust bluing is/has been used to produce a nice blue/black protective coating on steel, and the black ferrous oxide coating is somewhat protective against red rust, and is the major component in the patina steel aquires over the years. removal of black rust or patina from antiques may lower their value.

14th April 2010, 08:12 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	found this: ================================================== A simple and inexpensive way to remove rust from steel surfaces by hand is to rub the steel with aluminium foil dipped in water. Aluminium has a higher reduction potential than the iron in steel, which may help transfer oxygen atoms from the iron to the aluminium. The aluminium foil is softer than steel and will not scratch it, as steel wool will, but as the aluminium oxidizes, the aluminium oxide produced becomes a fine metal polishing compound. ================================================== seems worth a try p.s. - black iron oxide is an alternative form of rust to the more destructive red rust we all hate. rust bluing is/has been used to produce a nice blue/black protective coating on steel, and the black ferrous oxide coating is somewhat protective against red rust, and is the major component in the patina steel aquires over the years. removal of black rust or patina from antiques may lower their value.