The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cast Iron Statue: Paint, Rust Removal, Repainting

Q. I recently inherited a cast iron statue of an eagle standing on a globe of the earth with the legend "CASE" cast into the front of the globe. Overall height is approx. 60" and its weight must be maybe 300#.

What would be the preferred method to remove the old paint (2 or 3 layers) down to bare iron without damaging the iron itself? There is some spotty rust peeking through the paint here and there. I was getting ready to have it sand-blasted, but am having second thoughts.

Is there some sort of chemical stripping agent which would be safer and/or work better? (I understand that the eagle may be fairly valuable, but my intention is to keep it for sentimental reasons.)
Also, what would be a recommended finish once the statue is cleaned up?
Thanks very much for your help.

Paul Ritter
homeowner - Bridgeton, New Jersey, USA
2003

Q. I wanted to know if you have a picture. I also have a cast iron eagle of about the same size and weight. Mine, however, does not visibly show the case name.

Thank you,

Heather Frost
- Mill River, Massachusetts
2004

Ed. note: Heather, please attach a photo of yours in e-mail to mooney@finishing.com for posting here.

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Antique Levels, Planes, Tools

Q. I have purchased some old woodworker's planes and a couple of them sat in moisture. I cleaned the chunks off with a razor blade scraper [affil links] and then used #0000 steel wool ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and penetrating oil, PB Penetrating Blaster ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] to remove the residue.

It is now nice and smooth, but is stained. What can I do to remove the stains, keeping in mind that these are collector's pieces and they would prefer to have it looking as original as possible.

Thanks,

Jim Paul
estate services - Eagle River, Wisconsin, USA
2001

Q. I want to know how I can remove stains (rust, finger marks, etc.) from my Cast iron table saw top plus other metal machines that are in my unheated garage.

John Walsh
- Concord, New Hampshire, USA
2002

A. Hi, folks.

Jim: I would try hydrogen peroxide ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] because people have reported that it removes rust from bathtubs, and it just might work on your plane. The reason I'd try the H2O2 first is because other things that will easily remove rust, like mild acid, will leave the surface highly susceptible to flash rusting. But if the peroxide doesn't work, then diluted muriatic acid ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] will surely work (or possibly even vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ) to quickly dissolve the rust. But then you must immediately rinse, neutralize with baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , and rinse again, then wax or oil the plane. Steel and cast iron rust (sorry), and something, even if it's as impermanent as wax, must be put on the metal surface to stop it.

John: Cast iron rusts. The suggestions to Jim should work for you, but in an unheated garage you'll definitely have to keep a coat of oil or wax on your tools. Treat them like you would a firearm, clean and frequently lightly oiled.

Good luck.
Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Q. I am contemplating removing spray paint from a japanned antique level -- is there a stripper that will not damage the japanning?

Thank you

Lane Pearson
- Austin, Texas, USA
2004

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Cast iron garden statue is beginning to rust

I just bought what I think is a cast iron statue with a powdery blue finish. It does not look painted. I have not taken it out side but had it in the garage where moisture has gotten to it. It is starting to rust and I do not want it to rust. I like the color and finish that it has, but feel I must do something to it before the rust spreads. I actually bought it to put in the yard, but will not so until I know it is protected. I don't know enough about the finishes of cast iron to know what to do to prevent the rusting and hopefully preserve the finish

Virginia Cornell
home owner - Jamestown, NC
2007

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Q. I purchased an outdoor grill/smoker. The unit is extremely heavy, made of iron! I have rust on the top of the unit! Do I need to sand, seal, and repaint the unit? If so, what grit sandpaper do I use, and what kind of sealer and paint! Thanks for your advice! Tom Murphy

tom murphy
- Texarkana Texas U.S.s
October 19, 2010

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Q. I have volunteered to restore this statue of Our Lady for the 100 years anniversary of our beloved little Chapel ⇨
and I was wondering if you can give me some advice on how to proceed. This statue is not an antique so I was thinking about stripping all the paint, treating the rust, sealing and re-paint. But not sure what products would be better to use.

        

I have some experience with porcelain (amateur) but have never done anything with iron so any advice would be very welcome

Thanks so much.

Andrea Lopez
hobbyist - Guernsey, U.K.
February 24, 2023

A. Try Hammerite paints (UK product https://www.hammerite.co.uk/ ).You can use them directly on rusted surfaces ... Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
February 28, 2023