How to remove heat marks from mild steel

[Grandad2448Participant @grandad2448]

Hi

i am sure this must have been covered somewhere but i searched and found no answer? I have a mild steel component with a 'rainbow' stain caused by heat, how can i remove this mark?

thanks

Richard

[Grandad2448Participant @grandad2448]

How to remove heat marks from mild steel

[Brian WoodParticipant @brianwood45127]

Hello Grandad,

Try using some used scotchbrite pad that has had the 'keeness' taken off it, red or green pad will do and match the very light abrasion it gives with other markings on the job [such as machining marks etc] to hide its use.

The removal of metal is truly miniscule, the heat marking is only molecules thick anyway and it will disappear as if by magic.

Brian [another grandad]

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Richard, leave it soaking for a few hours in a solution of citric acid, say a spoon full of powder in a bowl of water, you might find the citric acid in the kitchen, if not the home brew shop is the best place, or the super market would be next, or you can stick it in a bowl with some Coca-Cola. When finished, wash in hot water with a scrubbing brush. Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 14/03/2013 11:29:10

[chris stephensParticipant @chrisstephens63393]

Garryflex rubberised abrasive blocks (in various grades) work very well at cleaning or texture-izing metals. I have been using them for years to fool people into thinking I can get a good finish.

chriStephens

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

When the chromed exhaust pipes of our motorcycles got "Blued", we cleaned them with Solvol Autosol polish. This was of course in "the olden days", but Solvol is still available.

Phil

[M0BNDParticipant @m0bnd]

I use phosphoric acid at work to get rid of oxidised blueing from titanium welding (I know it's not good and we do weld this stuff in a bath of argon but still get oxidation so not perfect!!!). It works wonders and would assume this will be ok for steels (ok on 316 st. st. too) – not sure about the carbon content and what it may do to it???

Andy.

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

Posted by M0BND on 14/03/2013 21:33:28:

I use phosphoric acid at work to get rid of oxidised blueing

ISTR that that's the principal ingredient of Jenolite rust remover so should work OK on steel. You can buy phosphoris acid as teak cleaner in garden centres or boat chandlers.

Russell.

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

You might find stainless steel cleaner powder in the cleaning gear in the house, used for stainless tubs, shower trays etc. Brass wire brush, either hand, or wheel. Ian S C

[Mark P.Participant @markp]

Metal polish such as solvol or brasso is as good as anything>

Mark P.

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