I’ve used it a number of times in the past for chainsaw restorations, but been hearing mixed reviews. Decided to throw the most rusty muffler I could find.
Evaporust
- Thread starter Vintage Engine Repairs
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Spot on, it does flash rust instantly doesn’t it!
I’ve used it before works very well but it’s pricey . I’ve been using Rust911 one gallon makes 26 gallons of solution . So it works out to about 5 bucks a gallon and it works well also
Should have added a picture
Should have added a picture
How does it compare to "home brews" with vinegar
I feel like project farm will do a video on the comparisons soon enough haha
I feel it works better . And it don’t stink
Yeah vinegar reeks, evaporust doesn’t, but you pay for the luxury lol
FLINT
ArboristSite Member
I've used evaporust a bunch and really like it. It has gotten a little pricey but for smaller/delicate things it's the best thing I know of. also, if you are trying to keep any of the original paint evaporust is great for that also as it won't remove paint, but it will remove ALL the rust. I could never deal with the smell of vinegar. for some reason it really bothers me. and yes, items will flash rust quickly if you aren't careful.
Before evaporust and as you don’t use vinegar what did you use? Or just wire wheel everything? I want to find some cheaper alternatives!
Can’t be unhappy with those results!
FLINT
ArboristSite Member
yes, most things, especially big things like a big vise or something I'll wire wheel. most axe heads will get wire wheeled. but smaller things that are harder to wire wheel I'll soak in evaporust. or things with small or moving parts are perfect for evaporust. for small things evaporust will go a long way. it can be reused until it gets pretty dark.
How long are you soaking it and in what type of container?
Evporust is amazing! Yes it’s pricey! I usually let the object/part that I’m de- rusting sit completely submerged for 24 hours in a old metal cooking pan. I would imagine a plastic pan would work as well. The solution is non- corrosive and biodegradable. I don’t know how it works and why it works so well but I must note that the parts that I was working with were extremely rusty!
You need to clean and degrease before you de-rust. As noted above the solution can be reused until totally contaminated. I strained mine back into the jug with a funnel and coffee filter. Stubborn rust spots you can scrub with a tooth brush and continue the soak. This product removes ALL the rust even if the metal is damaged and pitted. You need to rinse with water,dry and oil to prevent rust formation again. I stumbled upon it at Harbor Freight but I’m sure you can find it at other retailers. Disclaimer: I’m not endorsing this product or paid by the manufacturer. I purchased on a whim looking for something that would remove rust without scraping, sanding, or wire brushing and it worked awesome! Just a note. I tried soaking a shop towel with Evaporust and wrapping the rusty metal. It didn’t work well. I found that your metal had to be completely submerged for a 100% rust free.
24 hours bill
plastic container.I have left some in a tub of acetic acid and salt too long before. The result... shall we say less than desirable. That is why I like to hear real world experiences from folks. I have used Purple Power to clean grease with before but folks it will eat magnesium. I learned that the hard way.24 hours bill
FLINT
ArboristSite Member
Yes, plastic container for evaporust. and the soak times depend on the severity of the rust and the temperature. The warmer it is, the faster it works, also the process will speed up if you can swirl or shake the container. What I do is a few times a day I'll walk by and scrub the item in the evaporust with a toothbrush and swirl the liquid around. Sometimes overnight (~12 hours) is enough, but I've definitely had items that took a couple of days to de rust completely. so there isn't a magic number. you just have to keep checking and when it's done it's done.
on thing to make sure you are aware of before you soak though is that evaporust will remove all of the rust - that means that if the rust has eaten into the metal, when that rust is removed the surface will be rough and or with little poc marks from where the the rust removed material and then the evaporust removed the rust.
however, the evaporust WILL NOT dissolve metal - or anything else as far as I know. Depending on the carbon content of the steel, evaporust can darken the color of your metal. High carbon steel will turn black. You can scrub this dark coating right off, but something to be aware of.
also, as stated earlier, as soon as you pull your item out of the evaporust, you'll want to rinse it off with clean water and then immediately dunk it in oil or spray with wd40 or something.
on thing to make sure you are aware of before you soak though is that evaporust will remove all of the rust - that means that if the rust has eaten into the metal, when that rust is removed the surface will be rough and or with little poc marks from where the the rust removed material and then the evaporust removed the rust.
however, the evaporust WILL NOT dissolve metal - or anything else as far as I know. Depending on the carbon content of the steel, evaporust can darken the color of your metal. High carbon steel will turn black. You can scrub this dark coating right off, but something to be aware of.
also, as stated earlier, as soon as you pull your item out of the evaporust, you'll want to rinse it off with clean water and then immediately dunk it in oil or spray with wd40 or something.
I believe I tried some years ago but did not have great results. I will need to give it another try
On a side note if I’m doing a big item I will use an electrolysis bath . I can use a container ( plastic ) as big as I want or need to fit the item water , washing soda and 12v . I use an old 12v power source I think it’s from an old train set . Make sure it’s dc or you may get some shocking results .
Do not do this inside your home !
Do not do this inside your home !
As it so happens I’m doing the doors on a wood stove with Rust911 that was left outside . I’ll report back in a few days . 
