So I have a few aluminum parts which were exposed to rusty water an extended period of time. What is the best way to remove the left behind rust? I have tried a wire brush with little success and some of the parts have small passages which would make using a wire brush or sand paper impossible. There is also a little copper on these parts as well.
Naval Jelly?
not sur eif the electrolysis method will work here, but might be worth a try...might just end up anodizing it too, so it could ruin it further...I have no idea what Im talking about lol
Oven cleaner (the non-low odor kind) is very effective for cleaning aluminum. You do want to make sure you clean it of well, and make sure not to spray it in your mouth or eyes (duh).
Naval Jellys active ingredient is Phosphoric.
Phosphoric acid may be used as a "rust converter", by direct application to rusted iron, steel tools, or surfaces. The phosphoric acid converts reddish-brown iron(III) oxide (rust) to black ferric phosphate, FePO4.
"Rust converter" is sometimes a greenish liquid suitable for dipping (in the same sort of acid bath as is used for pickling metal), but it is more often formulated as a gel, commonly called naval jelly. It is sometimes sold under other names, such as "rust remover" or "rust killer". As a thick gel, it may be applied to sloping, vertical, or even overhead surfaces.
After treatment, the black ferric-phosphate coating can be scrubbed off, leaving a fresh metal surface. Multiple applications of phosphoric acid may be required to remove all rust. The black phosphate coating can also be left in place, where it will provide moderate further corrosion resistance. (Such protection is also provided by the superficially similar Parkerizing and blued electrochemical conversion coating processes.)
Aluminum doesn't rust...do you mean there are stains from rusty water drying on the parts?
Are these parts raw aluminum, or are they clear coated? I'd try some Eagle 1 mag wheel cleaner or similar, they have different strengths for clear coated wheels or raw aluminum ones.
stuart in mn wrote: Aluminum doesn't rust...do you mean there are stains from rusty water drying on the parts? Are these parts raw aluminum, or are they clear coated? I'd try some Eagle 1 mag wheel cleaner or similar, they have different strengths for clear coated wheels or raw aluminum ones.
Yes and I think the parts are raw.
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