Question Preventing metal corrosion

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boberlin

Grumbler in Training
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Mar 25, 2011
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I framed some straight edge razors 13 years ago, and one of them is beginning to have rust on it.
Does anyone know what would be a good way to clean the rust and how to prevent it from coming back.
This is my first post, so sorry if I have formatted it wrong.
 
hi

Hi, boberlin.

I know you've been around for a couple years, but since this is your first post, welcome to the Grumble. :smiley:

I don't know if there's a way to unrustify your rusty razor, but if there is, someone far more
knowledgeable than myself will soon be along. Meanwhile, I can ask a couple of questions
to help clarify things. Just so we know, what did you use to attach the razors before. Also,
am I correct in thinking that there was glazing on the frame, such as glass or acrylic? And
has this been hanging somewhere humid, like in a bathroom?

Over and out....
 
Naval Jelly and Elbow grease.

some things never change.

Then, you may want to consider a clear coating.
I'm not saying do it.... I just said consider it.....
(and the experts will be along in a minute to chastise me for suggesting it)
 
Actually Bear, I was thinking the same thing. After cleaning off the rust, using a sealer on the metal might be a good idea.

Check with a local Hardware store, and see what they recomend for cleaning off the rust.

(If these blades were to be used, I wouldn't use a sealer. But since they are being used as decoration, all the sealer will do it help prevent rust growth.)
 
You might like to consider starting the restoration using Renaissance Metal De-Corroder
http://www.universityproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=753

Followed by Pre-Lim Surface Cleaner
http://www.universityproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=754

And then seal with Renaissance Wax
http://www.universityproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=750

These products are widely used for the treatment and preservation of metals.

University Products Inc. is the supplier I know in the USA.

The products are manufactured in the UK by Picreator
http://www.picreator.co.uk/articles/3_renaissance_wax.htm

I sell the full range of Picreator products in Ireland.
http://www.ote.ie/renaissance-metal-de-corroder
http://www.ote.ie/pre-lim-surface-cleaner
http://www.ote.ie/renaissance-wax
 
The razors were attached with clear monofilament fishing line, they are floating on pongee silk fabric with uv filtered glass. The customer does not have them in a wet environment.
We are considering sealing them with shellac after the rust has been removed. My thought being that the shellac could be removed with alcohol if necessary.
 
I'm thinking that the wax suggested in the previous post would be a better alternative to the shellac. These are conservation products, specifically used for your intended purpose. Waxes can also be removed with the proper solvents.

When remounting these, you might want to consider using clear film straps rather than monofilament line. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, you'll find plenty of discussion on it here using the search function, or in Jim Miller's object mounting book.
:kaffeetrinker_2: Rick
 
A timely topic. My grandpa's straight razor is now pitted with rust again - I have taken the frame apart several times to de-rust it. Of course, I have no idea how I did this the last time. Elbow grease to clean and maybe clear nail polish on the blade? I cannot remember - but whatever I did - it did not work.
 
Ultra blonde shellac.

I would never use wax.... the solvents in wax to make
in soft and gooey will eat the steel, same as it ate the
armor in the tower of London, and the operative armor
on the SCA fighters.

Navel jelly eats rust.... but not the metal.

And it is available in the USA.

Elbow grease is available everywhere.

It's time to change out the mono filament line....
Call Pat Kotner she has a much better answer.
 
Baer Charlton said:
I would never use wax.... the solvents in wax to make
in soft and gooey will eat the steel, same as it ate the
armor in the tower of London, and the operative armor
on the SCA fighters.

.
Click to expand...


Baer can you support the above statement !!!

It’s a very sweeping statement you have made, I cannot find any research mentions that supports what you said.

I would appreciate if you could head me in the correct direction to find research that supports what you said.
 
I’m referring to "Renaissance Wax" which is a microcrystalline wax which was developed by the British Museum back in the 1950’s, one of the specific applications is for the protection of armour.

There are other options also such as a coating of clear Paraloid B-72

Here is some further reading that may be of help…

Conservation and restoration of metals http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_and_restoration_of_metals#section_7

There is quite a science to the conservation of metals, I would strongly suggest if you have any doubths you get in touch with a conservator in that discipline.


I was at a meeting in Dublin last year where a paper was presented about the restoration and conservation of metal that was damaged, caused by a fire in a cathedral in Ireland, some heavy science was needed to get the project correct.
 
There is nothing you can do about it but pull it out sometimes and oil it. Just like guns.
Shellac would not work here but some kind of polyurethane varnish should help and the
reason is shellac is porous and will let oxygen in. Just think about metal on the bottom of
the ocean, it doesn't rust as rapid. But still I would just oil it and keep an eye on it.
 
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