[Healeys] surface rust removal

[Bert Van Brande]

For removal/conversion of surface rust I also used the Home Depot phosphoric acids. First Jasco "prep and prime". HD discontinued Jasco and now sells the mentioned "Concrete Etcher & Rust Remover".  There are a lot of resources online on how to get the best results with phosphoric acids.

An eyeopener for me was PPG DX579 and DX520, again both based on phosphoric acid but 2 completely different formulations.  With DX579 I was able to completely remove light "flash" rust from a previously media blasted panel.  I did a test first letting it sit for a couple minutes and then wipe it with a clean towel, the towel was red-brown and the panel clean.  The instructions call for applying till the rinsing water sheets of the surface.   This was then followed by applying DX520 which leaves behind behind a zinc phosphate coating.  Although a bit more expensive these PPG products might be available in Europe/Poland.

For heavier rust a 4.5-5" disc sander works great, 7" might be too big (and heavy).  Various abrasive wire wheels on a drill to get in the corners.  It's a dirty job though and best followed by a chemical treatment.  As long as you don't keep the sander on one spot too long there are no issues with heat. I know people swearing by this method vs acid dip/media blasting.  Doing my gearbox cover soon this way!  

Bert