How do I "strip" mild steel?

[Baileigh Inc]

I am looking for a "brushed metal" look and want to "strip" or polish this 2 x 2 sheet of 16g mild steel before I cut it. This way will take me forever. Anyone have any tips or tricks to help me out?

is there an acid that will strip it down?

Better abrasive discs?

Any help would be great.

[weldor2005]

Your choice, Muriatic will take it off in 15 minutes, and vinegar over night. Use gloves and a 1:1 with the Muriatic acid. and the AAA Rule, Always Add Acid.

[Baileigh Inc]

So if I soak the sheet in vinegar it will be stripped in the morning?

[trucutcnc]

If you start out with cold rolled steel, it won't have mill scale. That's the black stuff you're trying to grind off.

[Baileigh Inc]

Awesome thank you

[fergy]

this is what you need
but if you have a look at stripping gear specifically made for panel beaters you may come up with
something that will work for you the one I have in mind is like a wire wheel but has like
rubber tentacles with stuff impregnated in it
have you tried a belt sander?

[muzza]

Doesn't show real well in the picture but this one here is cut from a piece of cold rolled which I dragged 80 grit paper on a hand sanding block vertically down the sheet before I cut it to hide some scratching on the sheet which gave it that brushed look.

[weldor2005]

With either the acid or vinegar you will have to just use a sanding wheel after it has soaked in it. after acid I just run a wire wheel over it very lightly and then after vinegar it should be about the same.

No one is a believer until they do it.

[fergy]

this has been brushed not sure if it shows

[SomethingMetal]

Muratic acid bath and then rinse it really good. It will only take about 15 mins for the mill scale to be eat off and then you can take that grinder and do some pretty work. I had the same problem just wanting a shiny piece of carbon steel. I wore two flap disc out trying to get past all the mill scale and then I found that good ol acid!!

[Baileigh Inc]

This forum is great. The vinegar worked perfect.

Thank you guys so much!

[Baileigh Inc]

I just ordered a pallet of cold rolled.

[weldor2005]

If you move enough fast enough quantities of cold rolled works, but since it dont have mill scale it will get surface rust quicker while sitting around.

[trucutcnc]

It usually comes in with a light coating of oil. The mill we get it from runs it from coils.

[boodog710]

I use muriatic acid especially for smaller parts. After removing the parts from the acid I put them in a water/baking soda mix. Baking Soda is a base therefore neutralizes the acid, making it safer to handle. The I wipe off the mill scale and coat with a light coat of paint thinner. This will prevent rust on the parts.

Jack

[Baileigh Inc]

I use muriatic acid especially for smaller parts. After removing the parts from the acid I put them in a water/baking soda mix. Baking Soda is a base therefore neutralizes the acid, making it safer to handle. The I wipe off the mill scale and coat with a light coat of paint thinner. This will prevent rust on the parts.

Jack

what mixture of baking soda and water 50 /50?

[boodog710]

I have a rectangular container that holds about 10-12 gallons of water. I add one box of baking soda, large box from the grocery store, about a dollar or two. The baking soda will settle to the bottom so stir it up before each use. When you add the parts it will bubble up for about 5 seconds. This is the baking soda and acid reacting together. When the foaming stops, the parts are ready to take out.

Jack

[Baileigh Inc]

Now I get instant rust after the acid.

[beefy]

Just tried it myself for the first time. It was great watching the rust just vanish before my eyes.

I rinsed immediately with water then dried with a hot air gun straight away. Painted a couple of hours later and no rust had formed.

About a year ago I used the acid to strip galvanising. You get a lot of fizzing with this and when it has stopped fizzing, either the coating is all gone or the acid has "worn out".

[modelaratrod]

Does anyone have a part # or brand of Muriatic acid? All I'm finding is "safer" than Muriatic acid, and the usually translates into doesn't work as well. lol

Thanks.

[Gamelord]

I just pick mine up at Home Depot, it is a little diluted than the straight stuff...but it works excellent and is right around the corner. Another place to get it is at most any pool supply store.

[tnbndr]

All I'm finding is "safer" than Muriatic acid

It works just as well.

[steelfx]

Both varieties (smelly & not-smelly) work. Read the label when purchasing & look for the
standardized dilution of 31.45% +/- 2%. Muriatic Acid is Hydrochloric Acid, diluted (suspended) in De-Ionized Water.

My favorite Brand Name is TransChem, but any brand will do.

Please don't try to buy Hydrochloric Acid and dilute it yourself. Straight Hydrochloric Acid (which is usually 98% W/V, will kill you dead...in a very short time. (Seconds, actually)

After searching high & low I finally sourced a Small HDPE (Poly) Dip Tank that's affordable & very heavy built. It will hold 4 gallons plus. Great for double-side patina dipping with the Copper F/X? . 2 Gallons of Patina will be about an inch deep & the patina solution can be be drained out and re-used. Or, it can be used as an Acid Tank.

Measurements: 36"Lx18"Wx4"D. Will hold a lot of small cuts for mill-scale & dross removal & if you have two, you can have a dip tank & rinse tank for very little cost.

You can float an empty one on top of your full one for 98% evaporation control & odor.

Just took photos...haven't put the tank on the website, yet. Later today, hopefully.

thanks!

Bill

[modelaratrod]

Thanks Bill I looked on the website and didn't see any totes to add to my order?