Asked on Mar 31, 2014
What is the best way to clean old rusty railroad spikes??
by Julie
+8
My husband recently came into some rusty railroad spikes and we want to use them in coat racks etc. but was wondering if anyone has a good idea of how to remove most of the rust and then we will spray paint them with rustoleum probably. Should they be soaked in something or just wire brush them or what? Thanks everyone!
Suggested Project Book
if you soak them in vinegar it will leave a patina just take a wire brush to them
I would wire brush them to remove the loose rust, then if you want to keep the real look, seal them with a couple coats of Verathane so that damp clothes hung on them won't be stained. If you want a cleaner look with some patina, then a wire wheel treatment is in order. Either way, seal them afterwards.
Yep. Navel jelly. It is sold at hardware store. Keep the gloves handy and you may want an old or cheap paint brush. Also lay out some newspaper or paperbags. Navel jelly comes in a pink gel. They may even have it at auto parts store.
Would CLR work?
Sandblast it in a blasting cabinet.