The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Vinegar rust removal

When I used vinegar to patina some brand new truck fenders I found that the vinegar would create rust very quickly. Unfortunately every time I tried to put on a second coat to deepen the effect it would wipe away all the previous rust! What I found after much trial and error was that the vinegar was only a starter for the rust patina but it was also a good cleaner. Now I use vinegar or muratic acid (depending on the part) to clean metal but immediately neutralize the acid with a base once the rust is gone. To create rust I etch the metal with vinegar or muratic acid and then let it sit and run water over the next day. I believe what these products do is essentially open up the pores of the metal. Once they are clean you can prep for paint. If your intent is to add a rusty patina leave it and add water. Salt water helps even more. My brand new rusted fenders were complete in three days.