Parkerized finish rusting?

Mr Purple · September 25, 2000, 09:12 PM

I have a Remington 11-87 that has a parkerized finish. This weekend, I did a little camping and trapshooting, and -no foolin'- we got FIVE INCHES of rain. Aside from a sleeping bag that weighs 400 pounds, the humidity got to my shot gun (which was in the truck). There is now a light coat of rust on the receiver (just the side that was up) and a little on the magazine cap. How the heck do I go about taking the rust off without shredding the finish? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Badger Arms · September 25, 2000, 11:04 PM

Is your gun really parkerized or is it bead-blasted and blued? I believe that only some Law Enforcement guns are Parkerized. A little fine grit Steel Wool would normally be in order but I think you might be able to just use some CLP and some moderate rubbing to get the majority of it off. If there is any pitting, use the Steel wool Might end up being a refinish job in the end. Worth the $100 to you? I'd just clean it up and call it good.

Dave McC · September 26, 2000, 05:09 AM

4/0 steel wool with a bit of WD40 or oil should clean that up if the metal's not pitted. Some folks in moist areas use an auto paste wax on external surfaces for protection.

Also, if it is indeed Parkerized, even the phosphate style finishes are rust resistant, not rust proof.

Al Thompson · September 26, 2000, 05:59 AM

I've had that problem a time or five hundred.

I find that Flitz works the best for me. There is a very similar product that Wal-Mart sells called "Gun-Brite". Should work the same.

I also like car wax for rust protection.

Giz

Mr Purple · September 26, 2000, 08:15 AM

Thanks for the really quick replies! It's safe to use something as abrasive as steel wool, eh? I was figuring on a scotchbrite pad or something, but I think I'll follow your lead. And the car wax idea sounds like a perfect solution...do you use a paste wax, or a liquid wax?

Dave McC · September 26, 2000, 11:30 AM

Turtle wax. It's not just for waxing turtles anymore.

As for steel wool, stick to 0000. And go lightly.

VictorLouis · September 26, 2000, 03:11 PM

Make sure you buy the premium McGuire's(sp?)Carnuba WAX, not just the regular stuff. It all contains mild cleansing abrasives which work to the detriment of your finish. In the case of the lightly rusted gun;, however, this may not be a bad idea.

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September 25, 2000, 09:12 PM	#1
Mr Purple Junior Member Join Date: August 22, 2000 Posts: 12	I have a Remington 11-87 that has a parkerized finish. This weekend, I did a little camping and trapshooting, and -no foolin'- we got FIVE INCHES of rain. Aside from a sleeping bag that weighs 400 pounds, the humidity got to my shot gun (which was in the truck). There is now a light coat of rust on the receiver (just the side that was up) and a little on the magazine cap. How the heck do I go about taking the rust off without shredding the finish? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

September 25, 2000, 11:04 PM	#2
Badger Arms Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: Harnett County, NC Posts: 1,700	Is your gun really parkerized or is it bead-blasted and blued? I believe that only some Law Enforcement guns are Parkerized. A little fine grit Steel Wool would normally be in order but I think you might be able to just use some CLP and some moderate rubbing to get the majority of it off. If there is any pitting, use the Steel wool Might end up being a refinish job in the end. Worth the $100 to you? I'd just clean it up and call it good.

September 26, 2000, 05:09 AM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	4/0 steel wool with a bit of WD40 or oil should clean that up if the metal's not pitted. Some folks in moist areas use an auto paste wax on external surfaces for protection. Also, if it is indeed Parkerized, even the phosphate style finishes are rust resistant, not rust proof.

September 26, 2000, 05:59 AM	#4
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	I've had that problem a time or five hundred. I find that Flitz works the best for me. There is a very similar product that Wal-Mart sells called "Gun-Brite". Should work the same. I also like car wax for rust protection. Giz

September 26, 2000, 08:15 AM	#5
Mr Purple Junior Member Join Date: August 22, 2000 Posts: 12	Thanks for the really quick replies! It's safe to use something as abrasive as steel wool, eh? I was figuring on a scotchbrite pad or something, but I think I'll follow your lead. And the car wax idea sounds like a perfect solution...do you use a paste wax, or a liquid wax?

September 26, 2000, 11:30 AM	#6
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Turtle wax. It's not just for waxing turtles anymore. As for steel wool, stick to 0000. And go lightly.

September 26, 2000, 03:11 PM	#7
VictorLouis Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,302	Make sure you buy the premium McGuire's(sp?)Carnuba WAX, not just the regular stuff. It all contains mild cleansing abrasives which work to the detriment of your finish. In the case of the lightly rusted gun;, however, this may not be a bad idea.