Can I remove rust from this box?..

ilyaz · 06-13-2011, 09:08 AM

...that is, without making lots of holes in the box...

My neighbor threw away this old milk box. I have no use for it and so similar ones being sold on eBay, so I want to try my luck too. However, I am not sure anyone will buy this box with so much rust on it. There are no holes in the box, at least not yet. The question is: is there a way of removing the rust from the lid and the walls without completely destroying the box? I don't think a mechanical approach (sanding) will work. Any appropriate chemicals?

Thanks much!

Red Squirrel · 06-13-2011, 09:16 AM

How think is the metal? I think sanding could at least help. Don't do too much to it, that looks like a vintage piece. May be able to sell that way.

DexterII · 06-13-2011, 10:33 AM

Nice find! With something like that, I would most likely clean it up a bit, and find a use for it on or near a work bench, or other place in my shop, probably just to store certain items. What a great conversation piece! Regardless though, the farthest that I would go would be to pick a small spot on or near the bottom, and try lightly sanding it with a very fine steel wool, and if I did not see results within 5-10 minutes, I would stop. I would never consider blasting or using chemical on something like that. Keep in mind that the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there are few of those still in pristine condition, so most people would expect some rust, and it is very possible that any failed attempts at restoration would decrease the value in the eyes of a potential buyer. Again though, that would not be a concern, in my opinion, because I would not let go of it.

ilyaz · 06-13-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DexterII

Regardless though, the farthest that I would go would be to pick a small spot on or near the bottom, and try lightly sanding it with a very fine steel wool, and if I did not see results within 5-10 minutes, I would stop.

I don't have any steel wool but I do have sandpaper of various grits from 60 to 400 and maybe even 600. What grit should I use?

I brought home another vintage piece of "furniture": a 1951 GE television. It sits proudly in my living room next to the TV we watch. Unfortunately, the only type of conversation it had generated so far was my wife asking me when I am going to throw that old junk away.

rusty baker · 06-13-2011, 03:54 PM

If you are selling it, try as is. Most antiques are more valuable if left alone. You may ruin all value by removing the patina.

06-13-2011, 09:08 AM	#1
ilyaz Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 75	Can I remove rust from this box?.. ...that is, without making lots of holes in the box... My neighbor threw away this old milk box. I have no use for it and so similar ones being sold on eBay, so I want to try my luck too. However, I am not sure anyone will buy this box with so much rust on it. There are no holes in the box, at least not yet. The question is: is there a way of removing the rust from the lid and the walls without completely destroying the box? I don't think a mechanical approach (sanding) will work. Any appropriate chemicals? Thanks much! Attached Thumbnails

06-13-2011, 09:16 AM	#2
Red Squirrel Wire Chewer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,975	Can I remove rust from this box?.. How think is the metal? I think sanding could at least help. Don't do too much to it, that looks like a vintage piece. May be able to sell that way.

06-13-2011, 10:33 AM	#3
DexterII Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1,564	Can I remove rust from this box?.. Nice find! With something like that, I would most likely clean it up a bit, and find a use for it on or near a work bench, or other place in my shop, probably just to store certain items. What a great conversation piece! Regardless though, the farthest that I would go would be to pick a small spot on or near the bottom, and try lightly sanding it with a very fine steel wool, and if I did not see results within 5-10 minutes, I would stop. I would never consider blasting or using chemical on something like that. Keep in mind that the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there are few of those still in pristine condition, so most people would expect some rust, and it is very possible that any failed attempts at restoration would decrease the value in the eyes of a potential buyer. Again though, that would not be a concern, in my opinion, because I would not let go of it.

06-13-2011, 03:54 PM	#5
rusty baker Pro Flooring Installer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 3,154	Can I remove rust from this box?.. If you are selling it, try as is. Most antiques are more valuable if left alone. You may ruin all value by removing the patina. __________________ "I'm twisted, not sick. Sick implies, I'll get better" Semi-Retired Installer Installing since 1973

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Can I remove rust from this box?..