Secret to removing rust and paint on the cheap | Hagerty DIY

Finally getting around to restoring or rebuilding that old classic car? There’s a good chance you’ll have to deal with some rusted-over parts or unwanted paint. Replacing parts can get costly, so watch to see how you can save some cash by cleaning off built-on gunk—even if you just have an old crockpot instead of our ultrasonic cleaner. Hagerty’s Davin Reckow shows how easy it can be, thanks to a secret ingredient recommended by a dairy farmer.

Follow us on social media:

Like what you see? Watch our other series including:

Contact us:

[speedpedals]

I have discovered vinegar. You may have to wait a day or longer. The results are impressive - understatement. Way cheaper than anything containing hydrochloric or sulfuric
acids, no heated bath, environmentally friendly. Molasses works as well but, the time is closer to 2 weeks. Both molasses and vinegar can be disposed of with no precautions. BTW, a gallon of vinegar from Walmart is only about 2 bucks. Of course you could splurge for more expensive Heinz product that supports John Kerry but, why would you!

[LFM]

A few points to clarify the video.


#1 The product is "Milk Stone REMOVER". Referring to is as milk stone is akin to calling nail polish remover "nail polish". Just to clarify.
#2 At 00:59 the fella indicated that there is muriatic acid in the product. Per the MSDS, there is no muriatic acid in this Stearns product, not that it makes much difference.
#3 The video fails to emphasize the major benefit of using a phosphoric acid product on rusty steel. The reason phosphoric acid is the best, is it "phosphates" steel It converts Iron Oxide (rust) into Ferric Phosphate (a black colored inert/non rusting compound). This is the black color you see on the surface. Very similar chemically to gun bluing.
#4 removing the black ferric phosphate coating that is left is counterproductive if further corrosion protection is desired. If you blast or remove the converted iron phosphate, lightly brush on an additional coat of milkstone remover to again phosphate the part. That or paint it, or

[joedecesere]

I use Evaporust, non-toxic and it can be used again and again. When it is used up, I put it on my lawn. It has iron in it turn grass greener.😎

[greeceuranusputin]

I looked it up, it's 56% phosphoric acid, the same stuff used in most rust removal solutions, concrete etcher, paint prep chems, naval jelly, etc.

[ElliottHinds]

I'm pretty sure that black film is magnetite, or black (iron) oxide, Fe3O4. It's a more stable form of iron oxide (rust) than the red iron oxide we normal see (Fe2O3). Adhesion was probably poor, at least in part, due to rough rusty surface of the part before going into the bath.

[dielauwen]

Well you can use phosphoric acid also used in the dairy, Oven cleaner works well, washing soda and dc current, and sandblasting after degreasing. Cola works well, Vinegar works well and Pine oil is a great carb cleaner and degreaser. And don't forget a wire brush.

[cornstar]

Muriatic is just weak Hydrochloric Acid. Maybe give a rinse with baking soda dissolved in water at the end

[crosswits]

Another product you use to remove rust is a redistrip paint remover product. It contains phosphoric acid and it not only remove rust and paint it leaves a coating that prevent the parent metal from rusting again

[fatkorn]

Muriatic acid is hydrochloric if you cant find it, usually located near the readymix for etching. Gloves sure but eye protection way more important.

[dannywilsher]

Muratic acid is what I have used forever. Faster than what you used and cheaper. Get it at big box stores, it's used for swimming pools.

[MetaView]

That liquid is not Milkstone, it is the milkstone remover.

[joedecesere]

John MacDonald, I always clean the oil/grease off parts before I use Evaporust, however, old parts that have oil/grease in crevices still can be put in Evaporust for derusting and the small amounts of oil /grease are neutralized by Evaporust. It is PH balanced.

[Audiophile]

I’ve done some research on engine block cleaning and found some people use farm grade feed molasses if I’m saying it correctly. It doesn’t remove rust for what I’ve read but I’m dying to try it. The milk stone is definitely something I am wanting to try. I love your time lapse flathead ford rebuild video btw. I enjoy all the Hagerty videos!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[seant]

I believe the muriatic acid will eat aluminum, so watch out for any aluminum parts.

[sikamoreify]

Citric acid is an all natural, non-toxic, even food safe solution to do this that works just as good and slightly more environmentally friendly. As someone mentioned below with Evaporust, it will eat through Zinc, which is actually another great use for it to take that zinc coated hardware and give it a more natural finish. Dry and hit all the finished parts, hardware, etc. immediately with an anti-corrosive or things will start to rust in no time.

[TheREALOC]

Milk stone works to remove chrome too when I was getting ready to paint my 73 Buick Regal I decided to paint them instead of rechroming them and my local chrome shop told me to use, worked really well.

[BillB]

Gunsmiths will boil rusted parts to convert the ferrous oxide (rust) to ferric oxide (black oxide of iron). That black film is probably ferric oxide, which won't rust. Hit it with a wire brush and/or some scotchbrite and you're good to go.

[AustrianAnarchy]

How about phosphoric acid (Edit: See
Keith Schrack
reply. The stuff Davin is using is phosphoric acid.), that is readily available in 85% concentration (can dilute to 30% and works fine) and is pretty cheap too? None of the HCL issues, the stuff is a food additive anyway. Bonus! It is the stuff that auto manufacturers dip car bodies in to provide the phosphoric barrier that prevents rust from bubbling up around paint/primer scratches and chips.

[darkmoonmining]

That beautiful black falcon rear tail light from multiple facilities is still on my mind.

[Daijyobanai]

larger parts can be put in a molasses and water mix, 1 part to 10 parts water. It takes time but is ultra cheap and is ideal for when you don't need it in a hurry. It also smells foul, which is nice if you don't like your neighbors!
Otherwise, strong vinegar is good for getting it done fast, costs more though.