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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 29, 2012 5:06:27 GMT
Hey guys, just a quick question. Any tips for removing some small spots of rust on my swords? I don't want to ruin the blades in any way so I thought I would ask first.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Nov 29, 2012 6:24:18 GMT
There are several methods, some more invasive than others. A pencil eraser can sometimes work. A metal polishing paste like Metal Glo, Flitz and Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish all work well for light rust. If it's too heavy for those, then high grit sandpaper is good. If you know what grit your blade was polished to then that's ideal. Use water or mineral oil to wet the paper. I'd opt for the eraser and polishing paste before the sandpaper, as they won't mar the finish.
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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 30, 2012 1:04:58 GMT
Thank you I think I'll try the eraser right now.
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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 30, 2012 1:26:47 GMT
I almost forgot, take my karma.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Nov 30, 2012 1:54:44 GMT
Well, if you're gonna beg. Okay. Be sure to update on the rust, if the suggestions work or not.
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Post by John P on Nov 30, 2012 3:54:58 GMT
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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 30, 2012 5:11:28 GMT
Does it work well with medium to major rusting? The pencil eraser got rid of some of the rust spots but I think I'll have to try out the polishing pastes to remove the more prominent rust spots. Where do I get the paste?
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Post by Lord Cobol on Nov 30, 2012 5:32:37 GMT
Aluminum foil & water also work. Couldn't believe it the first time I read it, but....
remove all oil (or use vinegar instead of water) crumple up a small piece of foil (a couple square inches is enough) dip in water rub dry promptly
I wish I had bookmarked the article by the chemist who really explained it, but quoting from the Wikipedia article on aluminum foil... "Aluminum foil can be used to remove rust from steel and to polish steel surfaces — by hand by rubbing the steel with aluminum foil dipped in water. The aluminum foil, which is softer than steel, does not scratch the surface. Heat is generated by the rubbing friction, and the aluminium oxidizes, producing aluminium oxide. Aluminium has a more negative reduction potential than iron, and therefore leaches oxygen atoms away from any rust on the steel surface. Aluminium oxide is harder than steel, and the microscopic grains of aluminium oxide create a fine metal polishing compound — smoothing the steel surface to a bright shine."
When I did this on a wall-hanger it did not mar the surface at all. Perfect.
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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 30, 2012 5:45:19 GMT
Wow almost sounds to good to be true. I'll try it out right away and post the results. In the meantime, have some karma.
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Post by Ilúvatar on Nov 30, 2012 5:46:47 GMT
too*
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Nov 30, 2012 20:32:29 GMT
Wow...Karma for Lord Cobol...I really never put together the aluminum foil idea, I've known parts of that for a long time, but it makes total sense. Iluvatar, just how bad is the rust? Pics maybe? The problem is the metal is just gone. So to get a truly smooth unblemished finish, you have to sand/remove material to the depth of the pits. If the pitting is deep...you could really end up thinning the sword. I have a couple really dumb ideas on how to fill the rust pits, but I think the other board guys might strangle me. Anyhow, I picked up a small tub of Mothers Mag and Aluminum paste for 5.00 at an auto parts store. If they have Semichrome, that's another option...or just wander in and talk to them about what you're trying to do, you may be surprised, at least they can point you to the polish section. Or...just do your best and think of othe rust pits as old scars...just like we all have.
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Dec 11, 2012 2:31:20 GMT
Evapo-rust on a cloth or tissue then wrap in cling film (the stuff evaporates in open air over time) - for very light rust the foil works great and is cheap to boot, Evapo-rust is expensive in Oz. Cheap in the US
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Post by Foxtrot90 on Jan 17, 2013 5:36:21 GMT
Like others have said, i would use something like Metal Glo. Its like this thick paste that you can use to polish your swords. I had bought some a while back to use on my Musashi folded elite. Not only did it make it a near mirror polish, but it also removed some small rust spots that had developed along the blade. It dosnt take any skill to use either, just apply it to a cloth and rub it into the blade with some moderate force. It may take a few applications before you can see a difference. I spent about 30 minutes on each side for mine. This probably wouldnt work for serious rust damage however
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Post by Unit731 on Mar 4, 2013 9:24:42 GMT
How well would toothpaste work as an abrasive polish, to remove light corrosion? (Sorry to highjack the thread, but I figured it served its owner's purpose already .)
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Mar 4, 2013 11:51:49 GMT
Toothpaste works well, you do need to remove with warm soapy water then re-oil.
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