Removing rust

Terry A · January 25, 2009, 02:19 PM

I have an Ithaca stotgun that was born in 1971. It's starting to show some minor rust along the barrel on the receiver end. Is there any way of removing it or at least stopping it from spreading with re-blueing the whole thing?
Thanks.

fisherman66 · January 25, 2009, 02:22 PM

A toothbrush and some gun oil like CLP works well. No need to get aggressive.

**JohnKSa** · January 25, 2009, 04:17 PM

The best method I've found for removing rust is to use 0000 steel wool.

DO NOT apply oil during the removal process. Dust out the steel wool frequently and do not allow the removed rust particles to build up on the surface.

0000 steel wool is too fine to damage a blued finish unless you get very vigorous in your rubbing, in fact, polishing with 0000 steel wool is the final step in the bluing process.

The issue is that the RUST is abrasive. If you let the rust particles build up in the steel wool or on the surface while you're rubbing it will take off the bluing. That's why you don't want to use oil while you're removing the rust-- it retains the iron oxide particles forming an abrasive compound.

AFTER you get all the rust off (at some point you'll realize you're not going to make any further progress) then apply oil to the finish to protect it.

Terry A · January 25, 2009, 07:41 PM

Fisherman66 and JohnKSa,
Thanks for the good info. I appreciate you guys taking the time to help here.
Thanks again!

brickeyee · January 26, 2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

The issue is that the RUST is abrasive.

AKA 'rouge'.

January 25, 2009, 02:19 PM	#1
Terry A Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Location: Washington, Pa Posts: 764	Removing rust I have an Ithaca stotgun that was born in 1971. It's starting to show some minor rust along the barrel on the receiver end. Is there any way of removing it or at least stopping it from spreading with re-blueing the whole thing? Thanks.

January 25, 2009, 02:22 PM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,680	A toothbrush and some gun oil like CLP works well. No need to get aggressive. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

January 25, 2009, 04:17 PM	#3
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,993	The best method I've found for removing rust is to use 0000 steel wool. DO NOT apply oil during the removal process. Dust out the steel wool frequently and do not allow the removed rust particles to build up on the surface. 0000 steel wool is too fine to damage a blued finish unless you get very vigorous in your rubbing, in fact, polishing with 0000 steel wool is the final step in the bluing process. The issue is that the RUST is abrasive. If you let the rust particles build up in the steel wool or on the surface while you're rubbing it will take off the bluing. That's why you don't want to use oil while you're removing the rust-- it retains the iron oxide particles forming an abrasive compound. AFTER you get all the rust off (at some point you'll realize you're not going to make any further progress) then apply oil to the finish to protect it. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

January 25, 2009, 07:41 PM	#4
Terry A Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Location: Washington, Pa Posts: 764	Fisherman66 and JohnKSa, Thanks for the good info. I appreciate you guys taking the time to help here. Thanks again!