Electrolytic Rust Removal

Pinion · 03-09-08, 06:16 PM

I really like this concept of rust removal. I think I read it online sometime over the summer and finally got off my ass to put it together. Right now as I type, drink beer and watch TV, I'm removing rust from ~28+ year old steel rims. I blasted the front but left the back to see what the difference will be. Tomorrow evening I will have one rim done hopfully and another in the tank while I blast off any residual rust left over from tonight.

ohrly? · 03-09-08, 07:53 PM

please describe more, what are you replacing the rust with, or pulling it out with?

Pinion · 03-09-08, 08:45 PM

Its driving the oxidation reaction backwards with voltage and a basic (pH) environment.

SouthBostonFJ · 03-11-08, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohrly?

please describe more, what are you replacing the rust with, or pulling it out with?

Take a look at this link Chauncy Fj40 Tub Tank for a more in depth explanation.

ducktapeguy · 03-12-08, 02:46 PM

That method works wonders, I used it to de-rust a bunch of parts before painting. It's not as effortless as it seems though, you constantly have to keep the electrodes free of crap or it loses effectiveness, and it takes a while. Also it leaves behind some disgusting crap in the bucket. But for intricate parts it's great. I used powered dishwashing detergent as the solution, and try and put the part and electrode as close as possible for quicker results.

The rust converts to a black film that just falls off with a light wipe from a paper towel. You do have to immediately paint or protect the newly de-rusted parts or it will start oxidizing immediately.

vtcruiser60 · 03-13-08, 11:57 AM

glad to see there is another convert out there like me.....

gladly · 03-19-08, 01:05 AM

coolerman has a good writeup on his buildup site, (including some cautions)

Main Page

Rust Removal Via Electrolysis

baxter650 · 03-21-08, 09:10 PM

I was also using this method with some of my smaller parts, i found that a piece of sheet metal with a large surface area works best as the sacrifical lamb. I am going to ramp it up some and see if my welder set on DC will speed it up some.

Pinion · 03-23-08, 09:03 AM

Although it didnt work 100% as expected for me, it really did wonders on loosening up the rust for my sandblaster to quickly make short work of the job. I guess the small amount left over was just surface rust since it came off so easily with the media.

03-09-08, 06:16 PM	#1
Pinion IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bat Country TLCA# 11500 Posts: 913	Electrolytic Rust Removal I really like this concept of rust removal. I think I read it online sometime over the summer and finally got off my ass to put it together. Right now as I type, drink beer and watch TV, I'm removing rust from ~28+ year old steel rims. I blasted the front but left the back to see what the difference will be. Tomorrow evening I will have one rim done hopfully and another in the tank while I blast off any residual rust left over from tonight. Attached Images __________________ Rob Evans Milford, MA Bring something to the table, dont just come on in here looking for something to eat.

03-09-08, 08:45 PM	#3
Pinion IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bat Country TLCA# 11500 Posts: 913	Its driving the oxidation reaction backwards with voltage and a basic (pH) environment. __________________ Rob Evans Milford, MA Bring something to the table, dont just come on in here looking for something to eat.

03-12-08, 02:46 PM	#5
ducktapeguy IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2003 TLCA# 16795 Posts: 367	That method works wonders, I used it to de-rust a bunch of parts before painting. It's not as effortless as it seems though, you constantly have to keep the electrodes free of crap or it loses effectiveness, and it takes a while. Also it leaves behind some disgusting crap in the bucket. But for intricate parts it's great. I used powered dishwashing detergent as the solution, and try and put the part and electrode as close as possible for quicker results. The rust converts to a black film that just falls off with a light wipe from a paper towel. You do have to immediately paint or protect the newly de-rusted parts or it will start oxidizing immediately. Last edited by ducktapeguy; 03-12-08 at 02:51 PM.

03-21-08, 09:10 PM	#8
baxter650 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 429	I was also using this method with some of my smaller parts, i found that a piece of sheet metal with a large surface area works best as the sacrifical lamb. I am going to ramp it up some and see if my welder set on DC will speed it up some. __________________ 1980 PU 9" lift 383 38" Swampers 1993 FZJ80 6" slee lift 37s 2000 XR671L 83 BJ60 under construction 2008 XR650L

03-23-08, 09:03 AM	#9
Pinion IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bat Country TLCA# 11500 Posts: 913	Although it didnt work 100% as expected for me, it really did wonders on loosening up the rust for my sandblaster to quickly make short work of the job. I guess the small amount left over was just surface rust since it came off so easily with the media. __________________ Rob Evans Milford, MA Bring something to the table, dont just come on in here looking for something to eat.

03-09-08, 07:53 PM	#2
ohrly? IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 262	please describe more, what are you replacing the rust with, or pulling it out with?

03-13-08, 11:57 AM	#6
vtcruiser60 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 TLCA# 15129 Posts: 1,312	glad to see there is another convert out there like me.....

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