Removing Surface Rust

TheBluesMan · February 10, 2002, 04:01 PM

I recently picked up a used shotgun which has some surface rust on the barrel. I would like to remove this rust without destroying the blued finish. Is this possible, or is the finish already ruined if there is rust present?

I've heard of an old trick of using a penny to scrape off the rust, but am unsure of actually doing it as I don't want to damage the finish. Has anyone else ever done this with a penny? Can you use a section of curved copper pipe instead? What sort of lube/solvent should I use while scraping it?

Thanks!

Kevinch · February 10, 2002, 04:10 PM

For light surface rust, I use some 0000 Steel Wool & gun oil. It will remove the rust & doesn't seem to hurt the finish. But if the gun is pitted....it will still be pitted.

bedlamite · February 10, 2002, 04:47 PM

Try a brass brush and Hoppe's first, if it's not too deep that will get it out. If that doesn't get it, go for the steel wool.

TheBluesMan · February 11, 2002, 03:38 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'll probably try the brass brush method first.

Anyone have experience with the penny idea?

Lefty · February 12, 2002, 11:31 AM

I pefer to use bronze wool (get from any marine store) as it leaves no steel residue that can oxidize. Plus it's softer, so you're not as likely to ruin any finish ...

C.R.Sam · February 12, 2002, 01:03 PM

I like to wet it down with Break Free, let sit over night, re-wet and remove with soft cloth. Break Free disolves a lot of rust. Be carefull as the loosened rust is abrasive and can mar the unrusted finish surrounding the area.

If that fails, then get more agressive as in above posts.

Good luck.

Sam

Master Blaster · February 12, 2002, 03:17 PM

If the breakfree fails try some Flitz metal polish applied gently and then after drying removed with a soft cloth.
It worked for me on the backstrap of a model 36 i bought used, and did not remove the bluing.

C.R.Sam · February 12, 2002, 04:51 PM

Thanks Master.

Sam

James K · February 12, 2002, 09:01 PM

I agree on bronze or brass wool, but you don't need to find a marine store, just the cleaning section of your local super market.

Jim

February 10, 2002, 04:01 PM	#1
TheBluesMan Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 15, 1999 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,558	Removing Surface Rust I recently picked up a used shotgun which has some surface rust on the barrel. I would like to remove this rust without destroying the blued finish. Is this possible, or is the finish already ruined if there is rust present? I've heard of an old trick of using a penny to scrape off the rust, but am unsure of actually doing it as I don't want to damage the finish. Has anyone else ever done this with a penny? Can you use a section of curved copper pipe instead? What sort of lube/solvent should I use while scraping it? Thanks!

February 10, 2002, 04:10 PM	#2
Kevinch Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: NE OH. Posts: 828	For light surface rust, I use some 0000 Steel Wool & gun oil. It will remove the rust & doesn't seem to hurt the finish. But if the gun is pitted....it will still be pitted. __________________ ...arms...discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. ...Horrid mischief would ensue were (the law abiding) deprived the use of them. --Thomas Paine

February 10, 2002, 04:47 PM	#3
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	Try a brass brush and Hoppe's first, if it's not too deep that will get it out. If that doesn't get it, go for the steel wool. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

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February 11, 2002, 03:38 PM	#4
TheBluesMan Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 15, 1999 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,558	Thanks for the responses. I'll probably try the brass brush method first. Anyone have experience with the penny idea?

February 12, 2002, 11:31 AM	#5
Lefty Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2000 Location: Mass - the cradle of liberty!! Posts: 106	I pefer to use bronze wool (get from any marine store) as it leaves no steel residue that can oxidize. Plus it's softer, so you're not as likely to ruin any finish ...

February 12, 2002, 01:03 PM	#6
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	I like to wet it down with Break Free, let sit over night, re-wet and remove with soft cloth. Break Free disolves a lot of rust. Be carefull as the loosened rust is abrasive and can mar the unrusted finish surrounding the area. If that fails, then get more agressive as in above posts. Good luck. Sam

February 12, 2002, 03:17 PM	#7
Master Blaster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1999 Location: One of the original 13 Colonies Posts: 2,281	If the breakfree fails try some Flitz metal polish applied gently and then after drying removed with a soft cloth. It worked for me on the backstrap of a model 36 i bought used, and did not remove the bluing.

February 12, 2002, 04:51 PM	#8
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Thanks Master. Sam

February 12, 2002, 09:01 PM	#9
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I agree on bronze or brass wool, but you don't need to find a marine store, just the cleaning section of your local super market. Jim