Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Electrolytic rust removal

RobT · 7th September 2005, 03:23 AM

kai,
Five hours in the electrolyte solution removed all red rust from the blade. This is pretty remarkable considering that the entire blade surface was colored various shades of red. Although there are patches of bare grey steel, most of the blade is covered with black oxide (magnetite Fe3 O4 ?). This is proving very difficult to remove, especially since the blade is severely pitted. I don't know if another stint in the electrolyte bath would help. Any suggestions? (The methods given in the article aren't suitable for blades.) On a positive note, I have seen no fresh signs of rusting. In any event, I intend to work on the blade a bit more before posting before and after pictures.
Sincerely,
RobT

7th September 2005, 03:23 AM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 531	First Progress Report kai, Five hours in the electrolyte solution removed all red rust from the blade. This is pretty remarkable considering that the entire blade surface was colored various shades of red. Although there are patches of bare grey steel, most of the blade is covered with black oxide (magnetite Fe3 O4 ?). This is proving very difficult to remove, especially since the blade is severely pitted. I don't know if another stint in the electrolyte bath would help. Any suggestions? (The methods given in the article aren't suitable for blades.) On a positive note, I have seen no fresh signs of rusting. In any event, I intend to work on the blade a bit more before posting before and after pictures. Sincerely, RobT