removing Rust from decorative tin ??

[mafibisha]

Since y'all know everything how do you remove little spots of rust on an old, irreplaceable tin?

It was in my grandma's basement and while not totally covered, there are still spots. I'd like to clean it up and actually use / display it somewhere.

TIA.

 

[DisMN]

A couple of things. With tin it's an expected "flaw" in an older piece and absolutely acceptable if you're worried about others seeing it and thinking its dirty. Quite honestly you may not be able to get it spotless or even half good because it's just another one of those metals that develops issues as it ages. (Well don't we all? Lol )

Now it also depends on what color the spots are that will determine how and if it can be cleaned. There could be black, still metallic spots, some might be white which are corrosion spots. Then there's the simplest to remove rust which will be orange red brown in color.

If it's just rust real coka cola works magic but you may need to soak the area well and do it several times. It shouldn't hurt the tin.

Good luck. May I ask what it is that you're cleaning ?

 

[Jeff_G]

To be honest if you are trying to preserve the value of the item I would NOT do anything. More often then not improper restoration ends up destroying the value of things vs just leaving it be.

 

[DisMN]

To be honest if you are trying to preserve the value of the item I would NOT do anything. More often then not improper restoration ends up destroying the value of things vs just leaving it be.

Normally I would agree with you 100% but it sounded more like her use of the word "irreplaceable" was in reference to it being a family piece, not necessarily irreplaceable/valuable.
In this case I think gentle cleaning is great, and in fact will help discontinue any further deterioration.

In your instance yes, I agree...if she meant that it's something valuable, like one of a kind valuable, then you're right to leave that puppy alone! LOL

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Tang is what I used to get rust off our driveway.

 

[mafibisha]

Thanks for the replies, all!

To be honest if you are trying to preserve the value of the item I would NOT do anything. More often then not improper restoration ends up destroying the value of things vs just leaving it be.

No, its not valuable to anyone but me. I'm probably too sentimental But I'd love to use it for some sort of storage if nothing else.

Tang is what I used to get rust off our driveway.

Tang, the orange drink made with water? if so, do you use it straight, or after it's mixed? Or is there another kind of Tang?

 

[DisMN]

Coke is so much less costwise and mess wise than Tang.



.
(Heh, but what do I know...I've only been professionally cleaning/repairing/restoring antiques, mostly what's called "smalls" for 30 years now. Suppose I should put in a few more decades to really know what I'm talking about. LOL )

 

[mafibisha]

Coke is so much less costwise and mess wise than Tang.



.
(Heh, but what do I know...I've only been professionally cleaning/repairing/restoring antiques, mostly what's called "smalls" for 30 years now. Suppose I should put in a few more decades to really know what I'm talking about. LOL )

I am going to try coke. Sure sounds like you know it'll work.

Since I only have diet coke here right now, is that worth a try? Or should I wait and get regular coke before I start?

TIA.

 

[DisMN]

Lol thanks for taking my comment with the silly tone that was intended.

Regular Coke not diet although the recipes have changed over the yrs so it might work. How large is the item you'll be attempting? If it's small enough to immerse then just do that. If it's true red rust you may notice it begin to dissolve right away. I use a soft brush to help the rust dissolve and generally have to resoak 2-3 times.
The pop can be flat or fizzy...in fact I keep a jug of flat coke in my fridge at all times but to be honest it seems that the carbonation MAY help but every item reacts differently.
Do keep in mind you probably can't get all the rust off and possibly none of the other spots will go away. Unfortunately aluminum is just one of those metals that doesn't always develop a decent patina. More often than not older aluminum has all the age spots you describe.
You may also want to do a test spot to make sure the coke isn't eating more than you want it to. (And we DRINK this stuff! We must be NUTS!)
lol

Good luck. And if any of this makes you nervous you could try to display it as is. I'd love to see your treasure!

 

[LJSquishy]

Maybe CLR would work?

 

[tina.tina]

Sometimes, rust can be part of the charm! I have a metal flour container I got from my grandparents' house and I've only washed it with mild soap.