oxalic acid

T

Threethreethree

Joined
May 30, 2013
Messages
117
Hi there

I just picked up 250 grams of oxalic acid and i plan to use it to clean my ceramics but i dont know how much is needed to be quick and effective yet not too corrosive to handle without gloves.

I plan to use a plastic tupperware-like tub to store the solution and allow the stones to be immerged and avoid dipping my hands in it, how long the solution will remain active ? Is there any corrosion issues with plastics ?

I read somewhere that Bar keeper's friend is about 10% by weight, is that true ?

Is oxalic acid effective to devellop etch/patina on carbon steels ?

Thanks
 
The MSDS for Barkeepers Friend (linked below) lists the oxalic acid content at 5-10% by weight. The MSDS also lists 'incompatible materials' as ammonia, chlorine bleach or other alkaline materials (I'd assume hazardous fumes, at least). Baking soda can be used to neutralize the acid in the product.

http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/files/file/MSDS_BKF_Powder_new.pdf

I'm sort of wondering, why mess with potentially hazardous full-strength stuff(?), as opposed to just picking up the Bar Keepers Friend product. The product is relatively easy to deal with when mixed as a paste with water (not a big deal if you get a little on your hands; just rinse thoroughly in water). I ordinarily use disposable gloves or rubber dishwashing gloves, when using BKF. Use a Scotch-Brite pad, sponge or rag to scrub the paste on the ceramic, then rinse everything thoroughly under running water.

Even in the relatively low concentration in the BKF product, it will etch both carbon and stainless if left on the steel too long (more than 60 seconds, at least).


David
 
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If it were me, I'd get info for proper use & handling straight from the manufacturer of the product you purchased. Everything I'm reading online suggests the full-strength stuff (if this is what you've got) is NASTY for a multitude of reasons (burns, fumes, corrosiveness, fire hazards, interaction w/other chemicals, etc).

In other words, please be careful.


David
 
Yep, the first thing i did was to read the wikipedia pages in both english and french to learn about the potential hazards.

Also i knew it was serious stuff as my mom used the same pure stuff to ''bleach'' old wood after some paint stripping job on an old cupboard.
I remember her telling me that there was enough in the bag (500grams) to poison the whole street...
 
Scary stuff. We use a lot of different chemicals, powder and liquid, at the factory. They don't typically have all of those potential hazards. Be sure to protect your eyes! :)
 
Oxalic acid is a very common "wood bleach". Nitrile gloves would be a very good idea. Especially if mixing it yourself. Most Plastics are not rated for acid resistance. i would look for a glass container instead. I would also suggest that the "well ventilated area" warning be followed with this one. Lot's of rust removers will either use oxalic or phosphoric acid. They might be a safer bet since they are already mixed into "safe" proportions.
 
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