I'm dealing with persistent rust on some cast machine tables I've picked up used. After stripping off the rust, I've been using a homemade furniture wax mix (beeswax, boiled linseed oil, and turpentine) applied with a heat gun and wire wool. This works fine temporarily, but I'm tired of having to reapply it every time I use the machines. My workshop has a high humidity (averaging 82%), and although it drops below 50% in peak summer, I'm just 5km from the sea. I can't run a dehumidifier since it's too costly for me. I'm looking for a more durable alternative coating to help keep rust at bay for those of us facing similar issues with climate and occasional use. Any recommendations?
3 Answers
I swear by Picklex 20 for rust issues. It's a bit pricey since it’s basically concentrated phosphoric acid, but it works wonders. You can also go for The Must For Rust, which is a diluted version. Just spray it on, scrub with fine wool, let it sit for a day, then wax it up. That should last you a couple of years, but you will need to reapply as needed. Totally worth it!
I’d suggest trying Boeshield T-9. It was originally developed by Boeing for corrosion prevention, and I've had great success with it even living near salty air in Florida. Just remember it does leave a bit of a sticky residue at first, but that goes away if you buff it a little after application. You’ll only need to recoat every couple of years. Pretty solid option!
Have you seen the YouTube channel 731 Woodworks? He talks about rust prevention methods in one of his videos. I can't remember the exact product he uses, but it’s worth a look.