Electrolytic Rust Removal (1 Viewer)

[Pinion]

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?]

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

 

[Pinion]

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

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

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]

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]

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

 

[gladly]

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

Main Page

Rust Removal Via Electrolysis

 

[baxter650]

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]

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.