11-12-2011, 06:18 AM
Tannic acid has long been used as a rust cleaner & potato does have some tannins...so most likely the potato method is utilizing tannic acids
Zinc bars have been used for years as a sacrificial anode in the marine trade, and zinc phosphate (along with other phosphates like Phospho) are used as rust removers. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Zerust may be utilizing a zinc compound....just based on the name...
if you do use any acid OR base (inc. vinegar OR baking soda - both make a volcano...) make sure to rinse completely & then PROTECT the surface (paint, wax, oil, triflow, resin, etc.....) as most rust removers leave the metal surface with micro pitting that is much easier to re-rust (oxidize).
We have oil & a slab of wax right on our tool box to hit any light corrosion immediately (Ace has little blobs of beeswax, but we have also used surf wax)
Zinc bars have been used for years as a sacrificial anode in the marine trade, and zinc phosphate (along with other phosphates like Phospho) are used as rust removers. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Zerust may be utilizing a zinc compound....just based on the name...
if you do use any acid OR base (inc. vinegar OR baking soda - both make a volcano...) make sure to rinse completely & then PROTECT the surface (paint, wax, oil, triflow, resin, etc.....) as most rust removers leave the metal surface with micro pitting that is much easier to re-rust (oxidize).
We have oil & a slab of wax right on our tool box to hit any light corrosion immediately (Ace has little blobs of beeswax, but we have also used surf wax)