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Clean rust off metal

I found two old rusted metal beds and need to know how to clean the rust off of them. I have no clue what type of metal they are. After sanding a small spot they look like they could be copper. How do I tell.

Carole Stokes
- St. Augustine, Florida

Simplest test: use a magnet. The beds are steel if a magnet is attracted to them.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.

To clean the rust off, visit your local hardware store. They probably sell specific solvents that are designed to dissolve calcium, lime, and rust.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan

If it is copper then you can half a lemon put salt on it and shine the copper up by rubbing it on it.

Joshua Baker
- El Paso, Texas

Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.

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