The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Need lots of advice on products or technique to remove rust from early 50's kitchen table

2007

I just purchased a table that is probably late 40's early 50's.
Cracked ice top....double ringed center at the bottom...and around the top sides.
It is really corroded with rust....not flaking just seems like there isn't any silver shining through.
Is this repairable?
Of course the guy that sold it to me said it was....naval jelly...
HELP! (thanks!)
Cheryl

Cheryl Demarco
shopper - Medford, New Jersey, USA

---

Please post a photo if you can, Cheryl, because I don't understand your description. Naval jelly will remove rust . . . that part is true. Unfortunately it will not restore the shine or deter future rusting. The table was presumably originally electroplated with nickel and chrome. Once these have worn off, their shine is gone and the underlying steel is exposed and will rust. Steel is somewhat metallic looking but it does not have the shine of nickel-chrome plating. The best answer is to send it to a plating shop for replating if you can afford that.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007