My method of cleaning....Seeking advice

[DFL89]

My interests are mostly 1800's items (Seminole war items here in Florida etc), which is a lot of Iron item (such as square nails, tools, belt buckles perhaps etc).

So, I would place these items upon returning home into "Metal restore rust removal bath" for 24/48 hours and scrub to get it as close to as pre-rust as possible and cleaned from dirt etc.

Then, I would follow-up with Rust Olem Gloss protective enamel clear spray can. This in time, has shown to NOT be very effective overall sadly.

Any ideas or tips? I have limited space, so electrolysis is essentially out. I saw a product spray can that just seals in the finds "as is" to prevent any additional rusting, but I can't recall the product name.

There is a very famous historical site near here, and they thought humidity and ac would be enough for their finds - less than a year later - and a complete disaster, items just crumbling. I was rather shocked by this, as these are the "professionals" and those who should know better on preservation along with the funding they get and endless Colleges and their studies involved.

Thanks for any info or tips on how you may go about preserving iron and/or other metal finds that don't hold up well once they're out of the ground.

Attached is an image of my finds from about 2 years ago using the above mentioned methods.

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[Xxray]

If you are in no rush just soak them in olive oil for months or even years then brush with water and soft bristle toothbrush, only method I know of that won't leave them looking whizzed. Don't think there is any quick method of cleaning old crusted items without wrecking them

 

[cellrdwellr]

Electrolysis would likely get them cleaner, but definitely a more aggressive approach. Problem with displaying iron is if it's exposed to any kind of moisture, it's going to turn orange again, unless you seal it. Love restoration projects, keep up the good work!

 

[DFL89]

Electrolysis would likely get them cleaner, but definitely a more aggressive approach. Problem with displaying iron is if it's exposed to any kind of moisture, it's going to turn orange again, unless you seal it. Love restoration projects, keep up the good work!

Thank you for the reply. There are so many methods when searching online and Iron is tough clearly - as soon as it's out of the ground and hits oxygen - "game on."

I think I put too much value into iron relics and should focus more on other metals and items, but just the thought of say a square nail, the work that went into making it, what it was used on etc, is too full of history to ignore. But yeah, my method isn't the best as of now in preservation.

 

[Fly]

I use a ultra sonic cleaner. There inexpensive.
Fly

 

[DFL89]

I use a ultra sonic cleaner. There inexpensive.
Fly

Do you have a specific kind/brand that you like? I am not familiar with these.

Would the work good for heavy rust on old iron objects etc, and then what method to "coat" to prevent further rust?

 

[stetam]

Do you have a specific kind/brand that you like? I am not familiar with these.

Would the work good for heavy rust on old iron objects etc, and then what method to "coat" to prevent further rust?

An ultrasonic won't do crap on old iron. One you got em clean as you can rub vasoline on them on move on.

Steve

 

[The Rebel]

Try white vinegar, eats away rust. A good coating of Renaissance wax is also essential to preservation.

 

[Rock Jock]

If I wanted to clean iron objects and preserve them I would use electrolysis first and then a good rust converter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_converter). Here are some options just grabbed online quickly: https://mechanicbase.com/reviews/best-rust-converter/

The electrolysis doesn't need to be long term but can also be short term for loosening up crusted, flakey rust if that is desireable. I use a cheap Harbor Freight trickle charger and a glass jar, beaker or some such. Plastic would also work or a small aquarium. Negative clip to the item to clean and positive clip to a piece of iron such as a nail or bolt. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a couple cups of water (for smaller things), pour it into the container and plug in the trickle charger and you are off to the races. Let it go for 5 minutes, shut it off (unplug) and see if that is enough to suit your needs. Longer as needed.

 

[EmuDetector]

I do a lot with electrolysis, you can see my threads it's a lot smaller of a setup then you might think.

Either way, afterwards I use a paint called "gemplers" to kill/prevent any rust. It will darken the iron a bit but everything comes out nicely. It had been recommended to me by someone who restored cannon balls and artillery.

 

[DFL89]

Thank you everyone for the replies! So many different methods, but some great info.