Jethro
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 87
- Location
- Eastern NC
- Tractor
- Kubota B1550, several Exmark ZTRs, Walker GHS and a 1967 Craftsman Surburban
When preping rusted iron or steel for paint you can apply phosphoric acid to the rust. It will convert to rust (iron oxide) into an inert black powder (iron phosphate) that can easily be removed before painting. Heavily rusted surfaces may require multipls applications. It is not reccomended that you apply the acid to paint, as it will soften it. I have done so and found that it was not a problem if you wash the surface and then remove any loose / soft paint.
Phosphoric acid is usually available in paint stores, commonly labled as "rust remover". It is usually a green liquid, but is also avilable in a gel formulation (naval jelly) which would likley work better on non-horizontal surfaces.
Phosphoric acid is usually available in paint stores, commonly labled as "rust remover". It is usually a green liquid, but is also avilable in a gel formulation (naval jelly) which would likley work better on non-horizontal surfaces.