Removing surface rust?

[jeff000]

I have a little bit of surface rust on everything metal in my garage. My bench tops, drill press, etc.
How do I remove this rust?

I never had rust until I etched my garage floor with hydrochloric acid, I am sure it's the vapors that caused the rust.

And then what is something that isn't oily that I can protect the steel with? I was using molykote on things, but it's pretty oily.
Thinking maybe a wax? Something that won't transfer to clothing with casual contact.

 

[Cyberbear]

First, did you completely neutralize the acid? otherwise the residual fumes and moisture will continue to rust everything.
Second, when everything is dry try using a thin coat of Johnson's Paste Wax. When the wax is dried, buff it off with a soft cloth. I've used this for years with good results.

 

[GRX]

I have been using furniture polish spray (Pledge, Endust, etc ...) on machine & engine parts for many years. Easy to apply and smells good.

 

[jeff000]

First, did you completely neutralize the acid? otherwise the residual fumes and moisture will continue to rust everything.
Second, when everything is dry try using a thin coat of Johnson's Paste Wax. When the wax is dried, buff it off with a soft cloth. I've used this for years with good results.

It was three weeks ago, I used a lot of water. And have painted it already, so I hope so. I can't smell it at all, and only things about 6' and lower rusted.
Although now I'm worried I didn't do it well enough

This stuff?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DIWIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[matt_i]

Acid never enters my shop for this reason, it will rust everything bare metal in the shop overnight.

I'd use grey scotch brite and some elbow grease as a work session to remind yourself not to do that again.

Once clean I like Boeshield T9, LPS2 or LPS3 works well also, depending on how waxy of a coating you want to build up.

 

[jeff000]

Acid never enters my shop for this reason, it will rust everything bare metal in the shop overnight.

I'd use grey scotch brite and some elbow grease as a work session to remind yourself not to do that again.

Once clean I like Boeshield T9, LPS2 or LPS3 works well also, depending on how waxy of a coating you want to build up.

I didn't realize it would cause rusting issues.
Really just a protective coating to prevent rusting again.

 

[Lassen Forge]

You need to neutralize the acid, not just rinse it out. Mix up some baking soda - a box or 2 - (good ol' Arm and Hammer) in a bucket of water, mop the floor wherever you etched (and then some) with this, let it sit for a short while, THEN rinse it out. Arm and Hammer (appropriate brand for a shop!) is your friend.

 

[ilovevocs]

I use corrosion X on my machine tools and such. Douse my seasonal toys like my snowmobiles in it as well before it sits for the winter. I spray everything but the track, clutch faces. and belt. I like the smell too. Cant stand wd40; both smell and performance.

http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx.html

 

[jeff000]

You need to neutralize the acid, not just rinse it out. Mix up some baking soda - a box or 2 - (good ol' Arm and Hammer) in a bucket of water, mop the floor wherever you etched (and then some) with this, let it sit for a short while, THEN rinse it out. Arm and Hammer (appropriate brand for a shop!) is your friend.

Little late for doing that, doubt it'll have much effect through 3 coats of epoxy coat.
Rinsing might not neutralize, but it'll dilute it a crazy amount.

 

[Wideopentuning]

Penetrol from the paint department at Home Depot works fantastic on surface corrosion and preventing it from happening further.

 

[atty5420]

Your profile doesn't tell us where you are, but if it's Florida, well.........I've watched PVC rust, so there's no help. Just move.

 

[TTTTTT]

I always use a fine steel wool and then clean and coat with "Dry Coat" . A spray on product that you let sit then wipe/ buff off. Great for wood working tools with steel surfaces, or anything else.

 

[CJ7VFR]

I have been using furniture polish spray (Pledge, Endust, etc ...) on machine & engine parts for many years. Easy to apply and smells good.

This does work great!

My grandfather had a shed in his backyard with all his tools in it. Whenever we would go and visit him, I was always amazed at how all of his tools were shiny and clean, and the shed always seemed to never smell bad.

He said he used Pledge on his tools just like Grandma used on her furniture! I thought he was kidding me, but as I grew up, I would see him apply it, in very light coats, and sure enough, no rust ever formed on the things he put it on.

I use just a very light coat of Pledge on the machined metal surface of my table saw and it keeps it clean as well as nice and smooth.

Jim