How Can I Clean a Cone Top Beer Can?

[angifogg]

I found this recently, I cleaned most of the surface dirt off, but it still has lots of rust over the label.

How do I safely clean or de-rust this without ruining it?

I read some where that citric acid granules work well, but where do you purchase it?

Thanks in advance for your help..

[RelicRick]

A mixed solution of water and oxalic acid will do the trick. Make sure you are in a well-vented area and wear rubber gloves. After the bath in this solution, neutralize the acid with a baking soda bath. The paint on the can should remain intact and the vast majority of the rust will disappear. Good Luck!

RelicRick

[boogeyman]

Either works well. Citric will remove the rust without hurting the paint. Make a solution & apply with a rag if you think you have pin holes or spots that are really thin. I usually work over the sink. If the metal starts to go, I run water over it. Citric really doesn't need to be neutralized any more than a good rinse. Dry your can completely then give a rub with some Minwax finishing wax.

NOTE: The rust is oxide, meaning the metal is gone. The more you remove the rust the bigger chance you're gonna end up with swiss cheese. The two in the pictures with the labels partly intact, I would clean the tops & bottoms with citric, gently, very gently clean the sides then give them a good cleaning with Scotts Liquid Gold to brighten up the labels. The third one I'd clean with citric and wipe & buff with finishing wax.

Look in the phone book for a home brewing supplier. They can order it for you if they don't already stock it. You can get it from 1 oz. up to 50lbs.