Anyone have good luck using electrolysis to remove rust from wheels?

[dragoneggs]

Maybe stay in a Holiday Inn Express and you will have being a chemist down.....

Wow... like minds... was just about to make a similar smart aleck remark. :thumbsup:

 

[CalG]

I've thought about using phosphoric acid as the electrolysis medium in combination with a battery charger.

I've used both separately, with good results for each. I'm wondering if the combination won't be the cat's pajamas.....

 

[MA1920]

After a week of the first wheel sitting in the solution, I pulled it out and am pleasantly surprised at the results. The paint was bubbled and a garden hose using a jet spray took some good sized pieces off. I'll try a pressure washer next weekend after I rotate the wheel 180 degrees and "cook" it for another week. I took a few pictures that showed the water after 1 week, the rotors ( I did hose off the heavy gunk before I took the picture), and a few shots of the wheel.

 

[goeduck]

Excellent !

 

[dragoneggs]

Got to feel good about the results so far!

 

[MA1920]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys.:thumbsup: Seeing that the paint was bubbled and the water looks like tomato soup increased my enthusiasm. Sandblasting would be faster, but I like the set it and walk away method.

 

[dragoneggs]

I hate sandblasting in open air. I much prefer parts that are small enough to fit in my heavily modified Harbor Freight blast cabinet. Plus, I am generally lazy and like the easy way and your electrolysis bath fits that bill!

 

[MA1920]

I finally got a chance to try the pressure washer on the first rim. Last weekend was spent spreading mulch, cleaning deck furniture and other general spring time chores. I just took a couple pics before lunch.

Before I prime and paint, how much old paint has to come off? Where the black spots are, I assume that's where rust was. Would some sanding/scuffing be sufficient for the paint to adhere? I think I should quickly sand the shiny metal also. I realize it's only a wheel and not a show car, but I don't want paint peeling 6 months down the road.

Thanks guys.

 

[joecdeere]

All the black has to come off for paint to stick, a quick rub with a brass brush or a “scotchbrite pad will get it off, I always do it with hot water, then hit it with the air hose, it’s dry before it can flash rust

 

[MA1920]

I let the second wheel soak for a few weeks. I have some pics of before and after using a die grinder with a wire brush.
A couple questions for the experienced painters among us:
What's the best way to paint a fairly heavy and large wheel? ( it's the biggest thing I've attempted to paint)
How long to wait between primer and finish coats? I'm using New Holland paint.

Thanks.