Removing Rust From A Rusted Wrought Iron Wall Plaque
Iron is a very versatile and sturdy material, and it is for this reason that it has proved worthy for use in both construction and home décor. From I-beams and re-bars to wrought iron tables and chairs, iron has since served a purpose that has proved very useful to man’s daily living. Other than being functional, they have also been used in art and interior design through various metal sculptures and wall arts such as a metal wall grille and a wrought iron wall plaque. However, despite its decorative quality and robust material, with the passing of time this very same object will eventually rust due to chemical reactions with the moisture in the air. This form of corrosion will eventually cause the iron to wither away and disintegrate. Compared to aluminum and steel which rust more slowly due to their protective coating, iron can be very prone to rust, thus it would be very important to get the rust off of iron right away once signs have already shown. It wouldn’t be an easy task, but it isn’t going to be as hard, either.
First, you should gather the following rust-removing tools: various brushes (soft bristled paintbrush, wire brush, toothbrush), rust cleaner with oxalic acid, water, sponge, dry cloth, rust resistant primer, rust resistant paint, rubber gloves, eye protection. The rubber gloves and eye protection are for the rust cleaner, since it is a very powerful substance that can irritate your skin and eye if direct contact is made.
As for the procedure, you must first clean the rusted part and remove surface rust and dust using the paintbrush. Make sure that you are already wearing your rubber gloves and eye protection. On the side, have a mixture of water and rust cleaner prepared. The concentration of the mixture will depend on the severity of the rusted area. A rustier part would mean more rust cleaner in the solution.
Next, dip the wire brush into the mixture and begin scrubbing the rusty part of the iron in a circular motion until the rust is removed. Make sure that you do not miss a spot because untreated rust can eventually spread. Once the bare metal is already visible and all rust have been scrubbed off, clear the residue off the wrought iron wall plaque using the toothbrush. On a side note, just be sure that you will never be using this toothbrush on your teeth again.
Once all the rust are gone, dampen the sponge with water and wipe the iron piece with it and then dry it using a soft cloth. Apply a coat of rust resistant primer followed by two coats of rust resistant paint (which you can both find in do-it-yourself shops). This will help prevent further rusting on the object. Once the paint has dried, you can hang the artwork again back on its sacred space on one of your walls.
Getting rid of rust from your wrought iron wall plaque may seem a bit time consuming or a little of a hassle, but treating this as a Standard Operating Procedure at the very first sight of rust on it can help lengthen the lifespan of your iron décor and make it serve its decorative purpose for a very long time.
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