Iron Preservation Question

[firstlight10]

The condition of this anchor shackle has degraded considerably in the ~2 weeks its been out of the ocean. Whats the best way to preserve it? I am not opposed to a long term chemical treatment if that's the best way to go.

 

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[Boatlode]

Mistake number one: you should have kept it in a saltwater bath until you were ready to preserve it. Soak it in distilled water for about a week, changing the water daily. This will remove the salt. Then use muriatic (pool) acid to clean off the bulk of the corrosion. Soak it again, and then electrolysis.

 

[firstlight10]

What concentration of muriatic acid do I soak it in and for how long?

I wasn't able to find good instructions for the electrolysis process, do you have a link to the info?

 

[Gaspipe]

Place it in apple cider vinegar for a day then monitor. Wire brush then dry in oven. Wire brush again . Spray with clear acrylic lacquer .

 

[minnesota outdoors north]

you can also have it waxed to preserve it...I have all my cast iron from the logging camps done this way if they have been in freshwater in the silt for 125 plus years...

Gary

 

[Boatlode]

 

[Davers]

Looks like a good addition to my Library.

I would just Put it Strait into Electrolysis , Scrub it clear (w/ Wire Brush) : Then oven it for awhile then Coat it with
what ever you wish.

The apple Cider Vinegar will work also ,but In My Experience it might have to soak over a week.

It all really depends on how much the item means to you. ' My Opinion'


Davers

+ Research Diff, Methods Good Luck..

 

[CincinnatiKid]

I've tried all the above. They work. Best I can do is add to Boatlode's response. Be careful w acid.
Whichever method you chose, give it the hot wax treatment for a final stage.
Beau Ouimett, (aquachigger), on YouTube has a tutorial vid on relic preservation w hot wax.
Good luck
Peace

 

[Frankn]

Your big problem is the salt. It will continue to 'EAT' away at the iron until it is remover. Some good info above. It will take a long time in electrolysis to stabilize it. I have only worked with iron from the ground which is easier. Good Luck, Frank...-

 

[firstlight10]

Thanks everyone for the input. For size reference it is about 8" long and 3-4 pounds. At this point I've decided to put it into a bucket of saltwater until I have a chance to preserve it.