how to use naval jelly to remove rust
How to Use Naval Jelly to Remove Rust
Keeping your valuable metal objects rust free, is an extremely important step to maintain and extend their lifespan. Naval Jelly is a great DIY aid to clean rust from metal surfaces. The procedure to use it is very simple, and we shall go into it in detail in the following Buzzle article.
Did You Know?
It is said that Naval Jelly was used during World War II to remove rust from naval ships, earning the product its unique name.- Thick plastic/rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Safety goggles
- Wire brush
- Old toothbrush
- Steel wool pad
- Disposable cloth
- Primer and Paint (optional)
- Paintbrush/roller (optional)
- Naval Jelly
- Plastic Sheet
- First set up the area in which you are going to work. Spread the plastic sheet on the ground to protect from the gel, and wear all your safety equipment.
- Using the wire brush or steel wool, rub out as much dirt and loose rust from the metal surface as you can. Wipe the area with a clean dry cloth.
- Using a paint brush, generously apply the gel to the rusty metal. Use the toothbrush to get the Naval Jelly into corners and crevices.
- Allow the gel to rest for around 10-15 minutes, but no more. The gel will work on changing the rust into a water-soluble paste during this time.
- Take a clean, wet cloth and clean out the Naval Jelly thoroughly from the metal item. Now take a clean dry cloth and dry the metal.
- Check the metal for any remaining rust. Perform the cleaning procedure again if needed.
- Apply primer and paint on the object if necessary, to prevent rust from reoccurring.
- Naval Jelly is a toxic hazardous substance, hence it needs to be kept away from children and pets.
- The gel is harmful to the environment. Make sure you have a safe method of disposal for any waste matter. A good way to do this is to add soda ash to the gel, which acts as a neutralizer.
- It is important to follow all safety instructions on the Naval Jelly container, and wear the necessary safety gear.
- Use Naval Jelly only in well-ventilated areas, as its fumes are very harmful to the respiratory system.
- If some of the gel falls on your skin, wash immediately with generous amounts of soap and water.
- If the gel enters your eyes, wash thoroughly and immediately consult a doctor.
- If you swallow some of the gel, do not try to vomit. Instead drink lots of water, and seek immediate medical attention.
- Naval Jelly is not suitable for objects made of chrome, aluminum, cement, marble, plastic, or fiberglass.