Helmet Rust (control/prevention advice??)

[SammyT]

Does anyone have any advice on how to control/prevent existing rust on a helmet from spreading/occurring? Is there a certain chemical or oil to use? Can it be used on any helmet surface? Should decals be avoided? Is all rust the same? Will all rust spread over time, even if kept in a dry enviroment?

Looking for comments on these issues and open to suggestions on similar issues not listed. Thanks.

Sammy T.

[Kelly w]

Why has no one helped this guy? Very important topic for rusted relics!

[RelicHunter]

I believe that if you keep the moisture in the air down, it should arrest the spread of the rust.

[Paul R.]

RelicHunter is correct. Humidity is number one enemy. Most oils and paste promote rusting by holding on to moisture. Chemicals can change the helmets integrity. It may be a good idea to purchase a good dehumidifier, and a good humidity gauge to watch your humidity.

[Kelly w]

Is there any studies done on oil vrs no oil? Seems to me oil at the onset would slow the rust process for a time?

WD-40 and other brand oils claim to drive out moisture.

Thks

[Paul R.]

Most oils and paste promote rusting by holding on to moisture. Chemicals can change the helmets integrity. It may be a good idea to purchase a good dehumidifier, and a good humidity gauge to watch your humidity.

Most oils and WD 40 only work for a very limited time. These have been known to collect moisture as the oil and lube deteriorate over time.

[RelicHunter]

Most rust on these items was probably caused by them being in a damp basement or humid attic, or being outside in a garage in severe temperatures. Bringing them inside with a humidity control measures in your house should dramatically change their rate of deterioration. Think of it this way, these items have survived decades, if not a 100 years or more, in likely terrible conditions. Giving them some TLC will keep them going much much longer. Shouldn't need any additives or physical treatments, just a decent dehumidifier and a battery powered temp/humidity gauge. You can get both for under 200 bucks.

[Kelly w]

You forgot ground dug, yuk! No hope for those puppies.

[SammyT]

Thanks for your suggestions and insight guys. Much appreciated.


Sammy T.

[Kelly w]

Member Sturm 74 in another thread recommended using a automotive silicone spray to stop the rust decay after cleaning.

[Mr. Scratch]

I've had very good luck with treating rust (esp. on helmets) with tannic acid, as museums do. It converts rust to a neutral material that does not spread, and helps protect the metal underneath from further oxidation.

[Kelly w]

Good to know!
Thks

[Michael Fay]

I've had very good luck with treating rust (esp. on helmets) with tannic acid, as museums do. It converts rust to a neutral material that does not spread, and helps protect the metal underneath from further oxidation.

where do I find tannic acid? Is there a brand name or two out there in an actual physical store?
Or are they all only found online?

[Mr. Scratch]

where do I find tannic acid? Is there a brand name or two out there in an actual physical store?
Or are they all only found online?

There's no brand name, it's just a chemical.

I order mine off the internet. Instructions for use can be found at a couple of websites, but I just mix mine with water or alcohol (it comes powdered), and after removing excess/loose rust, I scrub it into the rusted areas with a toothbrush.

The treated rust spots will turn a charcoal grey color. Give it a number of treatments over a few days depending how how much rust you have. Then after it's dried for awhile, a coat of Ren wax, and you're done. I've had rusty objects that look no different than when I treated them a decade ago, and I live in the Pacific Northwest where we get plenty of rain and damp in the Fall and Winter.

[bolo]

if you live in a low humidity environment, not much is needed to preserve the metal, I think a little browning of the metal helps prevent rust

natural aging and browning of the metal seems to help protect it from rust as long as you store it at room temperature and out of damp areas