Molasses Rust Removal

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Guys

One comment/question that I would add on molasses, washing soda, electrolysis, cleaning/degreasing of parts, temperature of the fluid.

I've tried most of these different methods for degreasing and rust removal, what I have noted is the temperature plays a big part in how quick and well the process works.

For example washing soda at 180F/82C will degrease and remove paint from small parts just soak the parts for 1/2 hour and then scrub the with a medium stiff brush and the grease and even the OD paint comes off. Yet soak the same parts in same solution overnight at room temperature and nothing happens.

Washing Soda when used for electrolysis doesn't seem to work for rust removal when the solution is much below room temperature. Discovered this, one winter, when I had my plastic tube in the corner of the shop away from the furnace result the tank never got much over 40F/4C rust removal was very slow yet when it was in the direct hot air blast of the furnace progress was much better.

Has anybody else noticed temperature as being a significant factor?

Cheers Phil