Would any one possibly know how to remove rust from metal?

I have an antique toddler bed, very old, covered in rust, yet when I pulled the mattress, the built in box springs , out, the bed was a trundle and pulled out like it was brand new. So it is very useable without the rust

asked almost 13 years ago

17 Answers

Sand it off with various grits of sandpaper starting with coarse and moving to fine. Clean very well and then give it a coat of Rustoleum paint to prevent more rust from forming and then a good top coat. Should make it look like new and help prevent further rust damage.

answered almost 13 years ago

Thank you, but I then have one small problem, the bed has built in box springs, all metal, The kind that used to come on beds automatically, no way to sand all the individual springs. I tried the CLR and an item called Wink, the Wink helped but not enough, sanding the springs would be out of the question but thank you so much for answering

answered almost 13 years ago

See if there is anyone that can sandblast it. May not be worth the price,but maybe get a quote…

Sandblasting is a power sanding. You do not use sandpaper, it is like a “sand” power wash, It is what they use on car parts, for example.

answered almost 13 years ago

There are really only two ways to remove rust; chemically, and manually. Chemically is going to involve CLR, or some stronger grade that is applied and then removed, or you immerse the thing into saltwater and lemon juice or something to remove the rust. Manually is going to be just as it sounds, sandblasting(which is not cheap, and runs a high risk of damage), or taking sandpaper to it or some similar method that will basically involve scouring it down to the metal again. There is no real shortcut. My advice would be to do it by hand. It will take a long time, and it will suck, but you will end up with a better finished product with less change of damage. I know it is not the answer you are looking for, but there is just no miracle solution, it is time to apply some elbow grease.

~John

answered almost 13 years ago

Use Naval Jelly from any reputable Hardware Store.
Paint it on with a brush in a shaded area outside , rinse it off with garden hose ,
let thoroughly dry , repeat where required , spray with primer.
William.

answered almost 13 years ago

@Juanita, please keep us informed with your end results on whatever applications you decided on next. Lots of great tips here, thanks!

answered almost 13 years ago

MONTROSE
Reputation: 8354
See MONTROSE's booth

I use vinegar and let it soak in a bucket or a wet old rag enclosed in plastic for 12 hrs. Then wire brush (come in many sizes)
For big jobs I use diluted Muriatic acid (Walmart or Hardware store)
For quick jobs I use a wire brush attachment/drill bit on a drill.
drill sizes range from large hand helds to small drexels.
There is no magic solution-it is labor.
Then to prevent more rust you must use an oil base paint of which the only kind is rustoleum-clear or a multitude of color choices, spray or paint on.
If it is a tool or item for outdoors-wood or metal; I coat with boiled linseed oil to preserve it

answered almost 13 years ago

I’ve heard that rubbing an onion on rust takes it off but I’ve never tested it out

answered almost 13 years ago

Does all the rust have to be removed? With old wood furniture, I know that the experts look for unvarnished areas, to confirm age. (I’m told that in colonial times, the woodworkers didn’t waste varnish on parts that wouldn’t be seen) Could the same thinking be applied here? Rust is, in small amounts, a protective coating; and shouldn’t hurt anything. Granted, in areas where the metal will show, you’ll want to clean it up and paint it. But if the rust won’t show, and won’t interfere with the use of the item, why not leave it be? It’s not a health hazard, and will actually help date the item in the future.

answered almost 13 years ago

I don’t know how bad the rust is but from what you are describing its a huge area …i use plain distilled white vinegar and water to remove rust from rusty cast iron …it works very well but remember u must rinse it completely off because it will continue to eat the metal

answered almost 13 years ago

Table salt and Lemon Juice Mixture. Rub on gently or let stand for a few moments and then gently rub in circular motions. Rinse metal after cleaning, do not let dry on.

answered almost 13 years ago

Lemon and Salt works, I have never tried the vinegar but that makes sense too. I am sure no matter what choice elbow grease will be involved too.

I am with Montrose, let us know.

answered almost 13 years ago

It will take you forever and a day to remove all the rust manually. The bacteria that makes rust loves about 55 degrees and moist air. If you are keeping the bed somewhere dry and warm, it should slow down the rust process. Now if it were me, I would see if there were a way to cover the box spring so it didn’t show. I haven’t seen it, so I don’t know if you can take it out to make a cover, or fix lengths of a waterproof canvas or flannel rubber sheeting to cover the rusty springs to help keep a clean mattress from getting rust on it. It probably depends if you planned on selling it or keeping it, to determine how much work you want to put into it.

answered almost 13 years ago

I’ve heard that Coca Cola can remove rust… Saw some kind of science experiment HOWEVER I never tried it.

answered almost 13 years ago

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answered over 3 years ago

Kanaro
Reputation: 30

Hi juanitamart47, rust on metal can be difficult to remove, specially in cars, about a year ago I realized this myself when I had a car accident, a guy hit me and I was injured but I was more worried about the car! Luckily I got legal help and everything sorted out in my favour. Check them out in [URL removed] , The car is a 1969 ford mustang, that’s why I took this so seriously!

answered almost 3 years ago

CharlyF2
Reputation: 44

Just Check on Google

answered over 2 years ago

2 Comments

ElizabethJ942 says: August 29, 2021

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ElizabethJ942 says: August 29, 2021

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