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Restoring Cast Iron Stove Part

2007

I have what is called a SALT WARMER from Michigan Stove Company wood stove. It is cast iron filigree. It appears to have been nickel plated. The oval center is printed, "Michigan Stoves and Ranges."

It was very rusty. I have already sand blasted it clean. Actually looks pretty good. Pitted in spots but very clean.

My question - How do I stop it from rusting again? I could have it nickel plated but the pitting would show up more. I could apply clear coating of some kind. What would be good to use that could be removed if I ever decide to have it plated some time in the future? I plan on using the piece as a wall hanging. It is the only part of the stove I have, it will not be heated.

Since it was originally nickel plated, I do not want to apply black stove polish. I think aluminum paint would look chintzy.

Lee Walkowski
Hobbyist - Midland, Michigan

You can use Paraloid B 72 acryl clearcoat(7,5% in toluene or acetone [on eBay or Amazon]) or some sort of nitrolacquer(Agateen)-you can very easy remove them with acetone [on eBay or Amazon]. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2007
WD-40 [on eBay or Amazon] is an excellent rust remover, and a thin coating will prevent the rust from coming back. It can be used for the removal of heavy rust or light rust. I've used it for rust on a woodstove, to clean guns, and very rusty old locks and furnace bolts. It also works on pitted surfaces. The other necessary tool to go with WD-40 is a paper towel or a soft rag.

Erika Donneson
- Saco, Maine, USA

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

I can polish and replate your part in a nice bright original nickel.
Regards,

Frank DeGuire
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA
2007