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Hi Fisho's, I have heard that molasses mixed with another ingredient is very good for rust removal. Is there someone out there who knows of this process and what is the other ingredient and mixture. I have heard that they use it for de-rusting old classic cars for restoration. I would be grateful for any info, as I'd like to apply this stuff on my boat trailer etc.
Many thanks ttone
Using Google, I found that the other ingredient is water. The ratios varied. Some said use 10 parts water to 1 part molasses, another said use 7 liters of water and 2 liters of molasses, another said use about 3 or 4 to 1.
It seems you let the mixture ferment for two weeks, then remove a top layer of scum that forms on the surface, then put whatever it is that needs derusting into the solution for three weeks or so.
You're supposed to immediately rinse and dry and rustproof the item as it starts to rust again immediately after it is taken out of the molasses bath. Also, it says to use rubber gloves or long tongs to handle it as it is an acid.
I've never done this personally so I don't know how well it works or if what they wrote is the "right way" to do it. Some of them did post before and after pics and I have to say it looked pretty good.
I've never heard of this before. I'm glad you asked. It's Interesting.
Next time I'm at a garage sale and see an old rusty cast iron camp oven or frying pan, I might give this a try.
EC
Editing: Just a quick point. I just saw on another site that it damages aluminum. Thought I should pass that on just in case.
Last edited by el_carpo; 09-03-2008 at 05:16 PM.
"When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.-- Mark Twain"
There are a number of things that can be used to remove rust.
Molasses works but I have never tried it. Know people who have.. its a bit slow and messy.
any of the mildy acidic foods work.
lemon (or other citrus) juce is faster.
Vinegar similarly
commercilay baught citric acid is faster still
Tomatoe sauce is popular for small delicate items like hinges but isn't as fast as the stronger acids.
of course the industrial acids are good & quick, sometimes too much so.
DO NOT even think about using Hydrofluric Acid, this stuff works very well but is incredibly nasty.... can kill you.
one of the problems with all the acidic treatments is that they leave the surface with an acidic PH, which makes them rust almost instantly if not painted or something.
the best process and I have done a lot of this, is electrolisis, basicly you need a battery charger and a bucket of washing soda.
There are detailed instructions on the hand tool preservation association web site www.htpaa.org.au there is a link at the bottom of the page.." electrolytic rust removal"
The big advantage is it wont remove any sound metal. The item is also left with a semi protective coating and is not prone to rust immediately.
I've electrolisised heaps of metal planes and hand tools...I had e bath bubbling continuoulsy for months at one stage.
This works, it isnt real fast, ( aint all that slow either) but it is safe for the item and relativly clean.
Don't expect miricles, you are best to scrape and brush as much rust off as you can.
But once you get the process dialed in....it works exceedingly well.
I know a lot of blokes on the woodwork forum who have used this tand other methods.......
OH....don't leave the bath operating on the ground.....I had a toad jump in mine & he got electroisised....... not good..... the bath foamed up and stunk real bad.
Check it out, give it a go.
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