Rust removal with molasses.

**Mick_Marsh** · 29th October 2010, 02:38 PM

Bob,
They are doing very well. I look at them every day.
There are pop rivets in the two pieces and, as of last night, seem uneffected.
The froth started the almost as soon as I put them in.
By what you are saying, over time the acid in the solution must get stronger. Also, in the process, the acid must get used up. Therefore, the mixture must go off with time and use. Any idea how long it will last?
As a consequence of this experiment, my laundry smells nice.

**Tote** · 29th October 2010, 03:52 PM

Smells nice as in like the Bundy distillery?

Regards,
Tote

**numpty** · 30th October 2010, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Tote

20 Lt tub from my local stockfeed/hardware store was $32 last weekend but I'm a long way from where any sugar cane is grown.

Regards,
Tote

As I said, expensive......$320 for what used to cost $25 not so long ago.

**Mick_Marsh** · 30th October 2010, 03:47 PM

Time for a one week update.
The solution appears to have become thicker. Mould is also growing on the surface.
Quite a lot of rust has dissolved away already (although you wouldn't think it).
DSCF1068.jpg
The rivets appear to be unchanged.

**101RRS** · 30th October 2010, 03:58 PM

I tried a mix of 1:10 molasses a couple of years ago and was most unimpressed with the result. I put in a rusty bike tank that had all the paint removed - after a month the shiny metal bits were a little more shiny but the rust was there and had not moved. I moved the tank every couple of days and left it completely submerged for about 4 weeks.

Was a waste of time.

Garry

**Mick_Marsh** · 30th October 2010, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by garrycol

I tried a mix of 1:10 molasses a couple of years ago and was most unimpressed with the result. I put in a rusty bike tank that had all the paint removed - after a month the shiny metal bits were a little more shiny but the rust was there and had not moved. I moved the tank every couple of days and left it completely submerged for about 4 weeks.

Was a waste of time.

Garry

Luckily I don't have to sit there 24/7 looking at it.
I have a few items that need to be de-rusted. I've been looking for a product I used about twenty years ago but they must have stopped making it. Most of the products on the shelf are rust converters and not rust dissolvers and they're all nasty.
I'm a very patient fellow and am willing to wait.
I should be able to dispose of the leftovers in the compost bin.

**groucho** · 30th October 2010, 07:23 PM

Try chipping the big flaky rust bubbles off. it gives the molasses less work to do.......

**Tote** · 30th October 2010, 08:21 PM

After 6 days in a mix of 13lt of molassis in a 55lt black plastic garbage bin the battery carrier I brought from Tony S is pretty much clean and ready to paint. I hit it with the gurney this afternoon and put it back in the molassis but its just about perfect.
Before pic, you can see it at the back, I'll post the after pic tomorrow if I get a chance.

Regards,
Tote

**Mick_Marsh** · 2nd November 2010, 11:03 AM

It's really bubbling now.
DSCF1069.jpg
The mould growing on the surface is also clearly visible. I'll remove that.

**Tote** · 2nd November 2010, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tote

After 6 days in a mix of 13lt of molassis in a 55lt black plastic garbage bin the battery carrier I brought from Tony S is pretty much clean and ready to paint. I hit it with the gurney this afternoon and put it back in the molassis but its just about perfect.
Before pic, you can see it at the back, I'll post the after pic tomorrow if I get a chance.

And the after shots, this has been soaking for nine days, I cleaned it up with the Gerni and dried it with a heat gun.

Regards,
Tote

Thread: Rust removal with molasses.

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