Molasses???

[GSJake]

I've used all sorts of rust removers like acids, evapo-rust, and electrolysis. I like evapo-rust a lot because of how safe it is. But since i have not been able to find it in any of my local stores i've had to order it online which costs 50 bucks for 2 gallons. Being a college student i dont have a bunch of money lying around so i've been looking for safe rust removers on the cheap, one thing i've found while researching is using 1 part molasses and 3 parts water. has anyone ever heard or tried using this on things such as gas tanks and rusting crome? I think i'm going to try it out on a random piece of rusty metal to see how well this works if at all.

[KGB]

coca cola will take off rust
as will lots of other soda products

washing it off after could re-create the rust

[Nicholaschase29]

It's called "the must for rust" in a white spray bottle with silver lettering. phosphoric acid which is great.

[Zooks]

Go the molasses. The guys that restore old machinery (tractors, farm engines etc) swear by it. Just soak it for a few days and the rust will disappear.

[Rover]

I just picked up some Evapo-Rust from Tractor Supply,about 15 a gallon.

[BentRod]

when I did my tank, (on a very tight student budget) I used Muriatic acid, used for etching/cleaning concrete and stone. it is not quite as strong as Phosphoric acid, but it is a little safer, and about 4$/quart.

After you have used the acid, rinse the surface with minerial spirits.

[GSJake]

i've been trying to stay away from the acids since my last bad experience when it broke through the tub i was soaking my tank in and started eating my garage floor covering at my folks place. needles to say they weren't happy. i really like the evapo-rust so i'm probably going to call around a few more places and see if i can get ahold of it localy. Probably will still try the molasses way just to see if it actually works.

[Zooks]

It definitely works.

[Matchless]

It definitely works.

Real sweet job!

[Zooks]

Real sweet job!

Badoom tish!!!!

[Griffin]

The problem with molasses is that it is so darned expensive here. Hardly anybody in the US uses it as a food anymore, so it isn't a common "off the shelf" item in any kind of quantity.

Naval jelly is cheaper by quart, and does a great job.

[Zooks]

The problem with molasses is that it is so darned expensive here. Hardly anybody in the US uses it as a food anymore, so it isn't a common "off the shelf" item in any kind of quantity.

Naval jelly is cheaper by quart, and does a great job.

It's not common here anymore either except as a food for cattle and horses. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get 20 litre drums cheap over there. I suppose you need to be near an agricultural area though.

[Nessism]

For you lucky guys living near a Tractor Supply store, Milkstone remover is phosphoric acid. Pretty cheap, and effective to remove rust. Save the fluid and reuse it after derusting something. Acids will remove plating off the metal so don't use it on things that are not going to get painted afterwards. Evapo Rust works better for plated parts since it will only attack the rust, not the other metal. Muratic acid is HCl, and depending on consentration, it can be very corrosive. Last resort stuff in my book.

[BentRod]

wow, that molasses is pretty cool.

so one mighth be able to submerge a tank in this, without risk of damaging the paint?

ALSO: how much molasses to how much water?

ps. sorry to hear about your acid problems. I use the stuff because I found it works, but my first time using it I definately spilled a worrying amount on my crotch, and ended up stripping down in my driveway.

[GSJake]

ALSO: how much molasses to how much water?

From what i've heard 1 part molasses 3 parts water and then mix till blended. i'm going to probably get some today and test it out on something small to see how long it takes and how effectrive it is. I'll post after trying it