cleaning a gas-mask can

[blitzmilit]

Hi,

My can is half painted, half rusty, but since it is perfect inside and has the fibre-stripes, I want to restore it.

HOW TO REMOVE THE RUST WITHOUT REMOVING THE PAINT REMNANTS AND HOW TO CONSERVE THE CLEAN METAL FROM RUSTING AWAY?

Plz advise.

Many Thanks,

Mat

[Stinch]

Mat

There is a similar thread on the Helmet Forum that may help.

[blitzmilit]

Mat

There is a similar thread on the Helmet Forum that may help.

Thanks Stinch!

In the meantime, I discovered a thick layer of black grease on one side of the can. How to clean that off without removing the paint? Would a regular thinner be ok?

Plz advise.

Mat

[Stinch]

WD40 may work, it's mostly kerosene anyway. Common paint thinner should work on ok too. Grease over time can soften the adhesion of paint, so be careful and don't be too aggressive. I'd start with a small area to see how it reacts. Anyway, I'm in the camp to preserve artifacts and not restore. Hope that helps.