Rust Remover for Steel

The Challenge

An antique car restorer contacted us, needing to refurbish an oxidized tool kit from a Porsche 928. The kit contains a variety of steel tools, both chrome-plated and unplated. Despite the chrome plating, these tools had oxidized over time due to humidity in the air and possible acid fumes from the battery (located in the luggage compartment near the kit).

The client wanted to restore the tools to their original condition without even minimally affecting the chrome layer or reducing its typical clarity and brilliance. We were explicitly prohibited from using pickling agents containing strong acids.

Our Solution

Based on previous experience, we decided to try treating the individual tools with our detergent in an ultrasonic tank. By leveraging the mechanical action propagated by ultrasound due to liquid cavitation and the physical action of temperature, we had a good chance of removing the various rust spots on the surfaces by using products from the category of professional detergents.

We tested both alkaline and acidic detergents. The results were very good in almost all cases. However, in certain spots (those less exposed), to completely detach the rust, a very incisive mechanical action was necessary, requiring ultrasound with a specific power of at least 10 watts per liter. By increasing the ultrasonic power and, in several attempts, also the dilution percentage of the detergent, we achieved a nearly perfect result.

Results

The final choice was a newly formulated neutral detergent called KLINMOTOR PRO 1. This product was selected not only for its performance but also for its unique formulation, which demonstrates a very low impact on operators and the materials it comes into contact with.

The prerogative of this product is its excellent ability to remove both organic and inorganic contaminants, such as rust. It was used diluted in water at 20% and at a temperature of 50°C (122°F). Even at high temperatures, it is odorless and easily rinsable. After just 20 minutes of immersion, the individual tools were completely rust-free.