Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Cleaning polished steel curio cabinet

I HAVE A POLISHED STEEL CURIO CABINET AND IT HAS BECOME ACIDIZED IN MANY PLACES. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO CLEAN OFF THE ACIDATION.

TONY Giordano
PRIVATE OWNER - NEW YORK, New York
April 30, 2008

Hi, Tony. I would be very surprised if this cabinet is polished steel because steel will rust almost immediately.

Could it be stainless steel? Is it magnetic? Do you have any evidence of whether there is or isn't a clearcoat on it? Thanks!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 1, 2008

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Ted Mooney,
I believe my curio is polished steel. It came from Italy, through Bloomingdales. For ten years I had no issue, until it began to rust. Last year I sandpapered it successfully but now it has begun again.
What is the best solution?
Thanks for the help,
tony giordano

TONY Giordano [returning]
PRIVATE OWNER - NEW YORK, New York
July 18, 2009

Hi, Tony. Plain steel rusts nearly immediately. In weeks at most, as opposed to years.

If sandpapering last year was successful, then sandpaper it again and this time apply a "clear coat". Many are available, and the banner at the upper right of this page cycles through a few clearcoat suppliers. Good luck!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 31, 2009