I've found a lot of old bladed tools (scythes, axes) from the late 18th-early 19th century in my barn, as well as an early 19th century bayonet. Thing is, they're rather rusty, and the bayonet tip is bent slightly. Does anyone have any advice on how to remove the rust? And will it damage the blade to remove the patina as well? (I'm away from home at the moment, so unfortunately I can't get any pics for you guys until next week at the earliest)
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Removing rust/patina
- Thread starter Ijfleming
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2006
- Messages
- 317
If you do not mind the rust spots turning black, treat it with Rust Mort. Then use vinigar with 0000 steel wool to even out the patina. While the blade is still wet with vinigar wipe it down with mustard. That will help keep and add to the patina.
Leon Pugh
Leon Pugh
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
- Messages
- 1,499
There is a product called Evapo-Rust that is supposed to eat rust right off metal. Ihave been meaning to get some, but have not made it to an Auto-Zone store yet. It is formulated to eat rust, patina, blueing and other oxides and not affect other materials. Do a Google search on it and see what you think. It is a bit on the pricey side, but from what I gather, a gallon can remove rust from a ton of stuff before it stops working. Hope it helps some. -Matt-
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2005
- Messages
- 2,527
I've used Naval Jelly to remove rust on old saw blades. I'd clean them up and then paint scenes on them to sell at the craft type stores in the Amish Country of Ohio. It worked well. It's some pretty nasty stuff though, so use some good rubber gloves if you use it. Naval Jelly is not very expensive and readily available in paint stores and hardware stores. Home Depot and Lowes probably carries it too.