Best way to remove light rust

[LeeM]

Hello to All
I primarily collect helmets but also have a few weapons. I would like to know the best way to remove light surface rust from bluing. I was thinking of using 0000 steel wool and penetrating oil but thought I should ask the experts before possibly doing irreversible harm. I was also wanting to know what is used for the white high-lighting of gun markings (receiver markings, serial numbers etc.). I have noticed many firearms with this and it really brings out the markings. How is this done and does it harm the value at all?
Thanks
Lee

[david w]

WD-40 And Fine Steel Wool Will Remove Rust Without Damage To Bluing.USE White Out , Not Water Based Variety, To Highlight Markings / Cleans Up With WD-40.

[Perry Floyd]

There's a trick using a spent shell casing but I don't know all the details. Anyone heard this one?

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Perry, I have heard of this and it is variation of using a copper coin. Apply a dab of oil then use the coin/shell case to rub the affected rust spot. The metal of the case, being softer than the steel, will not sratch the surface but will remove the rust.
Cheers, Ade.

[Jeff Ashenfelter]

Lee,
The best way to remove rust that I have found is to use one of those stainless steel brushes. They look like a toothbrush and can be found at hardware stores and also at gun shows. Just dip it into a capfull of Hoppes # 9 powder solvent and scrub away!

[Dave Kane]

Yes, Jeff A is correct to a degree BUT the same 'type' of brush with copper/brass bristles is the key!

Don't ever use steel wool as it leaves too smooth a finish!

Very light pressure or 'picks' with the brass brush and ofcourse a good oil (often) will bring wonderful results and won't take the the blueing down to bare metal!

Dave

[LeeM]

Thanks to all. The use of copper/brass makes perfect sense. As far as using "white out" on markings, can it also be removed once it has dried.

Lee

[bnz. 42]

Yes, Jeff A is correct to a degree BUT the same 'type' of brush with copper/brass bristles is the key!
Don't ever use steel wool as it leaves too smooth a finish!
Very light pressure or 'picks' with the brass brush and ofcourse a good oil (often) will bring wonderful results and won't take the the blueing down to bare metal!

Thank you, guys, for the valuable info!

As far as using "white out" on markings, can it also be removed once it has dried.

Cleans Up With WD-40.

[tankdriver]

The best thing I have found is Flitz. It is a paste. It will remove rust, but will not hurt the bluing in anyway.

[david w]

Yes, the white out comes right off with WD-40 and a tooth brush.
David

[J.von Canon]

Rust removal

Hello to All
I primarily collect helmets but also have a few weapons. I would like to know the best way to remove light surface rust from bluing. I was thinking of using 0000 steel wool and penetrating oil but thought I should ask the experts before possibly doing irreversible harm. I was also wanting to know what is used for the white high-lighting of gun markings (receiver markings, serial numbers etc.). I have noticed many firearms with this and it really brings out the markings. How is this done and does it harm the value at all?
Thanks
Lee

Here's an old rifle rust cleaning trick taught by old soldiers-use a soft lead pencil(graphite & very kind to metal)and wipe off rust & graphite;oil when clean if a weapon;repeat until clean.
von Canon