Relic cleaning - White Vinegar

[Vegard T]

Right boys and girls, instead of occupying the RRPG dig threads with the Vinegar method, it would be best if it were a separate thread(And it deserves it).

In this thread we(If you RRPG guys want to tag along) will show you how to clean relics by using white/clear vinegar.

What you will need:

White/Clear Vinegar
A container for the vinegar
Your relic
Patience

White/Clear Vinegar:
This should be pretty easy to get a hold of, any food store should have it.


A container for the vinegar:
I have chosen an ice-cream box, which can be sealed.



The relic(s):
For this experiment I will be trying a couple of different rounds. Most of them are German 7.92, but there is one more modern and a very corroded Krag rounds.


Patience
Now it is just to wait. For this experiment, I will try for 24 hours

[Vegard T]

How to do it:

This is not exactly the hardest method of removing rust in the world, but I better be on the safe side, so there will not be too many questions.

First: Finding your relic(s):
For this you will need a metal detector, a shovel and a location. It should not be so hard to figure out what to do next, so get out there!

Now that we have our relic(s), let us begin.


As mentioned before, the relics I am dipping in the mix this time are some rounds. Most are German 7.92 rounds, but there is one modern and a pre-war Krag Jørgensen round in there as well(Bottom left corner).


Finding a suitable container:

I would suggest getting a cheap plastic box which is seal-able.
Place your relic in the box.


Fill' er up!:
And just like the headline says, pour the vinegar into the box and close it.


Now we wait...
I am going to try this for a good 24 hours time, so I will get back to you with the result later.


Please note...
I am quite new to this method, so I would advise you to wait and see what the others have to say about which relics that are okay to put in the solution.

[Vegard T]

A little result from before:

Here is a 7.92 round I found and put in vinegar solution for about 24 hours, it was in about the same condition as the other rounds that are currently taking a bath in vinegar.

[cricketchris1944]

Very nice,great info.
What type of me metal does this work on?
chris

[Vegard T]

I am not quite sure about that yet, I have only tried it with brass.

[stuka f]

And now the patina got lost!!
(lol!!)
;-)
|<

[Datrus]

Very cool. Can't wait to see the result. I have let's say quite a few 7.92 and 7.62x54R i will try to clean.

[Whitehunter]

You can also try this after to give your item a bit of age.

Select your items and light a candle.
Attachment 285993


Move your items back and forth across the flame in till the whole item has turned black, be careful as the item will get hot so attach it to something when doing so.
Attachment 285991
Attachment 285992

Next leave the item to cool

I would recommend wearing gloves for this part, Use bees wax or Vaseline to seal it
Attachment 285990

This is what they look like at the end, you can keep repeating this possess in till the colour suits your needs
Attachment 285989

[Steve T]

Very nice idea WH. VERY nice

[Steve T]

Here are some comparison shots of before and after the vinegar treatment.

It works well on brass AND steel/iron items.

Starter tabs for 250 rnd cloth 30cal belt before vinegar.....



Buckles and such like before vinegar......



And now after vinegar. Soaked for 24 hrs then a quick rub down with a brillo pad. Amazing.



PIAT sear and trigger, before vinegar soak.....



And after. Metal taken back to original colour and lots of rust has just fallen away. Also shown are more examples of the effect on brass.



Item second from top, Martini-Henry breech block before treatment....



And then after. Again, the metal is back to silver colour and most of the rust has just fallen away.



And the best item cleaned.........Vickers muzzle booster (DM !! Note it is a booster and NOT a brake).....before vinegar...



And after. Rust colour has gone, item looks and feels like it was when new, (kind of )



I recommend a soak of 24hrs minimum for steel/iron items and brass. Brass doesn't need more, but steel does well if you remove it from the vinegar, give it a good going over with a stiff wire brush, then re-soak for another 24 hours.

For thin steel items I would soak for 2-3hrs at a stretch and keep checking on the item.

Cheers

Steve T