Phosphoric Acid for Rust Removal

John B. · Dec 3, 2008

Can anyone tell me where I could purchase Phosphoric Acid and use it for dipping rusty parts? I would need a 100 gallon or so.

bjb in NE · Dec 3, 2008

I am not sure where to get phosphoric acid but any of the strong acids would work to remove rust. I think you can get muriatic acid (hydrochloric) at hardware stores. 100 gallons is a lot of acid and might requires special environmental and safety permits and training for that much acid. If you don't know how to safely handle that volume you need to find another way....

showcrop · Dec 3, 2008

I have sent you an email

ScottyHOMeY · Dec 3, 2008

I've found it in quart bottles in the paint section at HD and Lowe's. Comes in one of two brands, Jasco or Ospho. The straight stuff is touchy to handle. These products are dilute enough to eliminate that problem. That and they do a good job. They leave you with a surface of iron phosphate instead of iron oxide, much more stable and less reactive to moisture. Same concept as the bluing on guns. Can't recommend them highly enough.

Paul in MN · Dec 3, 2008

John,

If you do purchase an industrial size container of phosphoric acid, it will probably be more concentrated than you will want to use. One rule that you must follow (true for all acids). When dilluting, you must add the acid to your container of water. DO NOT ADD WATER TO A CONTAINER OF ACID. Depending on how concentrated it is, you can have a violent reaction and possible explosion. When adding acid to the water, use substancial rubber gloves, protective clothing and full face shield. Pour in small amounts and stir. It will generate heat.

Be safe!

Paul in MN

MarkB_MI · Dec 3, 2008

I guess you could buy a few cases of Coca-Cola.

I suspect that 100 gallons would put you into some Hazmat restrictions. (Something tells me that you're not supposed to dump a hundred gallons of spent phosphoric acid down the drain.) But here's a link to the manufacturer of Ospho, it looks like they will ship 55 gallon drums as well as 5 gallon containers.

BTW, a gallon of Ospho goes a long way.
Ospho.com

NCWayne · Dec 3, 2008

Not sure about the acid but you can get something that does an excellent job of removing rust, safely, from ZEP. Their part number is 7961. I"ve used it on everything from engine blocks, to big bolts, to an extreemly rusty old wood stove. The stove took several coatings and light scrubbing with a shop rag and wire brush but the end result was nearly as rust free as sand blasting.
ZEP

John A. · Dec 3, 2008

John B, Most any TrueValue Hardware Store!
Later,
John A.

paul · Dec 4, 2008

For that volume of dipping, you might want to look into the electralisis (sp) of using baking soda & small electrical charge?

Never done it, but been discussed here & other machinery forums from time to time.

--->Paul

Old Timer in Ohio · Dec 4, 2008

Hey there:
I've heard guys talking about "electrolysis",
they talk about how good it works. Personally
I think the next time I want to remove any
rust, I'm gonna try it. WAY SAFER than all that "acid", maybe tou should check it out yourself. Just am old farts opnion!!
Bob
God Bless

Duner Wi · Dec 4, 2008

Check with Home Depot????
Think they have it in five gallon pails.
Read that somewhere.

Phosphoric Acid for Rust Removal

John B.

Well-known Member

bjb in NE

Member

showcrop

Well-known Member

ScottyHOMeY

Well-known Member

Paul in MN

Well-known Member

MarkB_MI

Well-known Member

NCWayne

Well-known Member

John A.

Well-known Member

paul

Well-known Member

Old Timer in Ohio

Member

Duner Wi

Well-known Member

Similar threads