Topic: Removing surface rust?

[Zorro]

What are some good products/procedures for removing surface rust of unfinished metal and chrome?

Thanks in advance!

[eastoak]

try a soda blaster.

[lone*X]

Some on this forum have reported that using a wad of aluminum foil as a scrubbing pad cleans light rust from chromed parts without scratching the surrounding finish.  The foil is softer than the chrome so there could be something to it.

[Zorro]

what about dry steel wool...#2...then using a buffing wheel with soft flannel/cotton disk?

[Old Scrambler]

0000 steel wool will work on aluminum.......not Chrome.......sure, it will clean it up........but it is also removing a little of the chrome, so it will rust faster, peel sooner, or generally loose its shine. If you have surface rust on otherwise good chrome, try rubbing compound and a soft cloth.  If you have the parts in hand......dip them in acid (muratic) but be very careful!.......and follow all safety precautions.  Numerous other acid dips.....even environmentally 'green' ones.....will tend to leave leave little black specs on the chrome if it was beginning to pit. Thats because the chrome and possibly the nickle have been penetrated and the copper is oxidized.  Always cover the finished chrome with wax.......or chain lube if its the rear wheel.

[Kevin400F]

WET aluminum foil.....the electrolytic / galvanic action of the dissimilar metal dissolves the rust.  Follow up with a good chrome polish or wax.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

"The Works" toilet bowl cleaner.  Removes rust, doesn't harm the metal.  I keep a baby food jar handy to soak all my hardware during reassembly.  Be careful to do a thorough rinse with soap and water and either paint or lubricate the steel.

[smashedmelon]

I used 'Rusteco" on the inside of my tank and it worked out great, did not have to coat it and the rust has not come back. I have also soaked various parts in the stuff and they came out fantastic, no scrubbing.

[gregk]

i finally tried vinagar after hearing how good it was at removing rust.  I was not convinced but bought a gallon ( $2.99 what the hell) and dropped a few small rusty steel parts into the bucket.  nothing after the first day, a little different on the second day, and the third day, I removed the pieces and brushed lightly with a brass brush and was amazed.  It works.

[TwoTired]

I've always used 0000 steel wool.  Results made me happy.

[plug1]

I used steel wool on my chrome and aluminum. Works like a charm. Just don't stay in the same spot too long or rub too hard. (that's what she said) 

[TwoTired]

Steel wool not recommended for aluminum.  Tiny bits of steel break off and embed into the soft aluminum. Add a little impure moisture and presto, a tiny battery.  The electrolytic action removes the surrounding aluminum and begins corrosion.

Cheers,

[plug1]

0000 steel wool will work on aluminum.......not Chrome.

Steel wool not recommended for aluminum. 
Cheers,

I used steel wool on my chrome and aluminum. Works like a charm. Just don't stay in the same spot too long or rub too hard. (that's what she said) 

Different strokes for different folks!

[ksmith0034]

I have been using 0000 steel wool on chrome for decades.  Just don't get it near an open flame 

[MoMo]

Simichrome and 0000 steel wool has also worked for me for years followed by wax.

[the technological J]

"The Works" toilet bowl cleaner.  Removes rust, doesn't harm the metal.  I keep a baby food jar handy to soak all my hardware during reassembly.  Be careful to do a thorough rinse with soap and water and either paint or lubricate the steel.

i wouldnt do this... it will eat aluminium like crazy..... i dont know what it does to chrome... lemon juice and a light steeel wool works wonders

[seaweb11]

chrome polish

[Alan F.]

I've heard C.L.R. works great, but I've never tried it. Anyone?

[MoMo]

Never tried CLR but if it is a phosporic acid byproduct it should work

[Zorro]

Great info here!  Thanks to all who responded.

[tmac]

I use 1000 steel wool and a little WD40 to keep it movin, wipe it nice and dry then follow that with some chrome polish & Im happy!! works great!!

[Gaither]

FWIW

Most rust removers will contain phos acid. OK on steel. If used on chrome, I've had it get under the chrome and cause peeling.

There are all sorts of ways to clean chrome - many are listed here.

On anything chrome that I CARE about, such as old bike parts, I do it by hand using
Nevr-Dull wadding (auto parts store) wet with White Diamond Chrome Polish (search the Net). Then, a good coat of paste wax!

It is slow, requires patience and a lot of elbow grease. However, if there is any chrome left, this combination will find it without any further damage. Everything chrome on the 550 got this tlc (and needed it).

As was well said earlier, "Different strokes for different folks".

[bird]

Further to that CLR stuff.
If you have corroded or rusted bits and pieces, pour some CLR into a jar and immerse the parts overnight.
Works a treat at cleaning things.